[Cognitive, Emotional and Dependency Level on Institutionalized Older Adults]. / Estado cognitivo, emocional y nivel de dependencia en personas adultas y mayores institucionalizadas.

INTRODUCTION: It is necessary to analyze the aging process in institutionalized older people. For this purpose, a descriptive and analytical epidemiological study was carried out in nursing homes for older adults before the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: Provide an in-depth insight into cognitive (MEC), emotional (Geriatric Depression Scale), and functional (Barthel Scale) status within the older adult participants. METHOD: A sample of 973 participants analyzed the relationship between cognitive status, vulnerability to depression, and autonomous performance in Daily Day Activities (DDA) to predict the impact of the comorbidity of these variables. Therefore, in addition to the general distribution of the sample in the previously mentioned dimensions, differences were analyzed according to gender, age, educational level, and geographic area. RESULTS: The results confirm the hypothesis that a more impaired cognitive state is associated with higher levels of depression and lower functional capacity. The MEC scores have positive and highly significant correlations with Barthel and Yesavage. The relationship between dementia and autonomy is observed for both sexes, while the relationship between dementia and depression is only observed in women. The educational level influences the MEC scores (the more education, the better performance) and the Barthel scores (the less education, the greater dependency). Statistically significant differences were also found depending on the area of residence location. CONCLUSIONS: The more deteriorated cognitive state will be associated with a higher level of depression and lower functional capacity in daily life activities.

Transcultural Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Reminiscence Therapy for Mexican and Spanish Older Adults with Different Levels of Cognitive Decline.

The main objective for this study is to analyze the impact of a positive reminiscence therapy program (REMPOS) in cognitive functioning and depressive symptomatology for older adults in different vital situations (healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease).This is a transcultural comparative study (older people from Spain and Mexico). A randomized design with pre-posttest measurement and twelve groups was formulated, during a period of six months of intervention (3 in Mexico and 3 in Spain). The design had: 6 experimental groups with REMPOS intervention (3 in Mexico and 3 in Spain) during a period of six months and 6 control groups that received cognitive stimulation.While a key aspect of this study is the cross-cultural differences, an important part is to determine whether each experimental group had similar results in terms of the change in magnitude between the pre and post analysis. In general, intervention significantly improved cognitive function and decreased depressive symptoms.These findings provide further evidence about the efficacy of the REMPOS therapy between different types of aging and both geographical and cultural contexts (Spain and Mexico).

Death Distress and Religiosity Among Spanish Patients Diagnosed With Depression and Anxiety.

Death is a common source of uncertainty and fear for humans. Religious beliefs are among the strategies that alleviate such discomfort. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between Death Distress and religious practices while considering other associated variables (near-death experiences, death of loved ones, and psychiatric diagnoses). The Death Anxiety Scale, Death Depression Scale-Revised, and Death Obsession Scale were administered to 400 Spanish psychiatric outpatients. Anxiety was found to be crucial for the development of Death Distress across all associations. A relation between Death Distress and Catholicism was found, albeit significantly mediated by the frequency of practice.

Tele neuropsychological exploratory assessment of indicators of mild cognitive impairment and autonomy level in Mexican population over 60 years old.

Due to the cognitive decline associated with aging, it is necessary to determine the variables involved in this process to implement preventive actions to avoid or help slow the progression of cognitive decline to dementia in older adults. This is a priority in the current pandemic situation, due to the consequences of periods of confinement due to COVID-19. To address these challenges, this study was conducted through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), by adapting an in-person assessment protocol into an online Tele neuropsychological consultation. The correlation between autonomy and cognitive performance variables is analyzed in 47 Mexican subjects over 60 years of age. The results of the statistical analyses suggest a moderate correlation between the level of autonomy and cognitive performance (with MOCA and Clock Drawing Test), significant correlation values are outlined in some of the variables reviewed, and interesting data were found in the correlation of cognitive reserve with cognitive decline and the educational level from the participants. Finally, future analysis is proposed of the sensitivity of screening tests (CDT) to find indicators of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in this population that is not detected in classical tests (MOCA). Developing ICT-based screening protocols for the elderly may be a key tool in these coronavirus times or under any given circumstances.

Mejora de la calidad de vida de personas mayores con intervención en reminiscencia positiva: un estudio piloto / Improving the quality of life of older people with positive reminiscence intervention: a pilot study

En adultos mayores existe mayor prevalencia de deterioro o declive cognitivo y afectivo que la población más joven, por lo que, considerando la creciente población de adultos mayores, se precisa contar con mejores intervenciones que prevengan estas manifestaciones. En el presente estudio se planteó probar la eficacia del “Programa de reminiscencia positiva” (REMPOS), intervención no farmacológica, para el aumento de la calidad de vida de personas mayores en tres situaciones de envejecimiento. Se utilizó un diseño aleatorizado con medida pre-pos con grupo control en tres tipos de envejecimiento: saludable (n= 24), deterioro cognitivo leve (n= 22) y enfermedad de Alzheimer (n= 21). Los resultados mostraron que los grupos experimentales obtuvieron mejoras cognitivas, disminución de sintomatología depresiva, mayor evocación de recuerdos específicos positivos, y mayor satisfacción vital después de la intervención. Este trabajo amplía la evidencia de la eficacia de intervenciones sobre reminiscencia positiva a personas mayores en otros escenarios culturales y en diferentes realidades del proceso de envejecer. (AU)

Older age is associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive and affective decline than in the younger population. For this reason, considering the increasing population aging, and with the continuous growth of this demographic, it is necessary to consider better types of interventions to prevent such decline from manifesting. This study measures the effectiveness of the “Positive reminiscence program” (REMPOS), a non-pharmacological therapy that increases life quality in older people, with a pre-post randomized design with control group in three types of aging: healthy aging (n= 24), mild cognitive impairment (n= 22) and Alzheimer’s Disease (n= 21). The results of the experimental groups revealed higher cognitive levels, lower depressive symptoms, higher specific positive memories recall, and higher life satisfaction after intervention. This study extends the evidence of effectiveness of positive reminiscence interventions for older adults in other cultural backgrounds and types of aging. (AU)

Detección temprana de deterioro cognitivo leve en personas mayores durante la pandemia: protocolo cribado online / Early detection of mild cognitive impairment in older people during the pandemic: online screening protocol

Introducción: la pandemia COVID-19 ha tenido un gran impacto en la vida y en especial en las personas mayores. El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar un protocolo de cribado online para detectar tempranamente Deterioro Cognitivo Leve en personas mayores. Métodos: fue de tipo cuantitativo y cualitativo. La muestra fue de 22 personas mayores de las comunas de Coronel y Lota, Región del Bio-bio. El protocolo estaba compuesto por: Cuestionario sociodemográfico, Test del Reloj Versión Cacho, Moca versión validada en Chile, Escala Depresión Yesavage y Test Acentuación de Palabras. El procedimiento consistió en la aplicación del protocolo a través de un Tablet o Laptop. Resultados: se encontró que la mayoría no presentaba deterioro cognitivo, pero si depresión. Conclusiones: se discute sobre la aplicación de un protocolo de diagnóstico online en personas mayores y los indicadores de depresión que podrían estar dado por la situación actual de pandemia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact in the world, more so in the lives of elderly people. The objective of this study was to explore an online screening protocol to detect early Mild Cognitive Impairment. The method was both quantitative and qualitative, the sample included 22 elderly people from the Coronel y Lota, Biobio region. The protocol was integrated with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Clock Drawing Test (Cacho Version), MOCA (validated in Chile version), Yesavage Depression Scale (Reduced version) and the Word Accentuation Test. The evaluation involved applying the protocol online in a tele neuropsychological assessment. The results showed that most of the elder people evaluated did not present cognitive impairment but did have depression. The application of an online diagnostic protocol in older people and the indicators of depression that could be given by the current pandemic situation are discussed.

Concentrations of Salivary Cortisol in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence According to the CIRCORT Database.

This work analyzes the different levels of salivary cortisol in women from the southwest of Spain that were victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) with respect to a control group, assessing for the first time the different concentrations obtained in relation to a worldwide reference standard provided by the CIRCORT meta-global cortisol database. The clinical sample (N = 24) and the control group (N = 25) had an average of 39.12 years (SD = 12.31) and 39.52 years (SD = 11.74), respectively. Cortisol awakening response (CAR) was determined by defining the area under the curve (AUCi). There were no differences between the CAR data of the two populations F (1, 141) = 1.690, p = 0.196, but there was a highly significant difference in the three sampling days, where the clinical sample exceeded the cortisol levels of the CIRCORT database in the evening as compared to the control group (p = 0.004, p = 0.001 and p = 0.000). Salivary cortisol concentration samples taken in the evening were significantly higher than those standardized in the CIRCORT database, from the women victims of IPV as compared to the control group, showing its usefulness as an effective supportive tool for problems such as those triggered by IPV.

Effects of e-Health Training and Social Support Interventions for Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia-A Narrative Review.

Along with the burden commonly experienced by informal caregivers (ICs) of people with dementia (PwD), associated with the progressive decline that accompanies dementia, the lockdown due to the public health crisis has had a great negative impact on the emotional wellbeing, physical health, and social relationships of ICs. Support interventions through telemedicine represent an opportunity for ICs to learn the skills required for the care and maintenance of social networks. In this work, a narrative review of the effects of e-health training and social support interventions was carried out. A literature search was conducted using the ProQuest, Ovid, and Scopus databases. Information regarding social support (SS), psychological interventions, and training for the management of medications and behavioral changes was extracted. One hundred and nine studies were included in this review. Forums and training platforms were the main tools for ICs. The most effective platforms to improve SS include the participation of both ICs and health professionals. However, no significant improvements in objective caring skills were identified. Platforms developed specifically for ICs should be based in tools that ICs are familiar with, because many ICs have not yet incorporated Information and Communication Technologies in many activities of their daily lives. Education in the digitalization to ICs of PwD should be one of the priority objectives in telehealth interventions.

Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction: An Empirical Study in a Population of Senior Citizens.

Objective: The specialised literature indicates that the two key aspects in active ageing are performing physical activity and life satisfaction. Regarding physical activity, this not only improves physical aspects of senior citizens, but also has a positive impact on mental well-being and satisfaction with one's own life. The aim is to demonstrate the relationship between these two variables to explain healthy ageing. Method: In a sample of 300 senior citizen subjects, the influence of various sociodemographic variables (age, sex, institutionalisation, and level of education) on the performance of physical activity and life satisfaction, is analysed. The research design is a non-experimental study with two unique cross-sectional and correlational measurement groups. Results: An analysis of the results indicates that people with a higher level of education present differences in physical and motivational reserves. Furthermore, age and institutionalisation have an impact on physical reserves. Analysis using structural equation models allows key relationships between the variables analysed to be predicted, which can guide the implementation of active ageing. Conclusion: Motivational reserves affect healthy cognitive ageing through their positive impact on cognitive and physical reserves.

Improvement of the Quality of Life in Aging by Stimulating Autobiographical Memory.

With notable increases in older adult populations, as well as with the associated cognitive impairments that can accompany aging, there is significant importance in identifying strategies to promote cognitive health. The current study explored the implementation of a positive reminiscence program (REMPOS), a non-pharmacological cognitive therapy that has been previously structured, defined, and tested in a Spanish sample. We sought to improve the quality of life of institutionalized older adults with healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease by utilizing this protocol in these samples. A randomized design with a pre-post measure was conducted over a three-month period. Two types of interventions were used: the experimental groups received REMPOS, and the control groups underwent their regular daily institutional programming with cognitive stimulation techniques. After the intervention, the three experimental groups showed higher cognitive functioning, decreased depressive symptomatology (except for the MCI group) and higher evocation of specific positive memories (except for the MCI group). This study supports the effectiveness of REMPOS and reminiscence therapy, with regard to both cognitive and mood factors in cognitively impaired older adults.