RCAAP Repository

<p><b>OBJECTIVES:</b> Parkinson's disease is related to the decline in daily functional activities, favoring reduced quality of life. Because of it, the aim of this study was to analyze the balance and gait agility of parkinsonian and their correlation on the functional activities.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> It was evaluated 21 volunteers: 10 parkinsonian and 11 clinically healthy individuals. All the volunteers were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) and a pedometer during 48 hours.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> It was observed that the values obtained by BBS and TUGT were significantly different between the groups (p &lt; 0.05). For the number of steps it was not observed the same, the steps/48 hours were equivalent for both groups. Furthermore, it was observed great correlation between the number of steps and the BBS.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> Individuals with Parkinson disease showed a deficit of balance and gait agility, but there was no interference in the independence of gait, since the subjects evaluated had similar number of steps in relation to the control group during the evaluation period.</p>

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To describe the distribution of hospitalizations in the Unified Health System (SUS) of elderly in Recife, with respect to cost and length of hospitalization, according to gender, age and major causes from 1998 to 2005.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> A study of descriptive and cross-sectional nature were performed, using data obtained from the Bank of the Hospitalization System of the SUS, focusing on the analysis of Hospitalization Authorizations (AIHs) issued for elderly patients (aged 60 and over) in the referred period. Gender, age and primary diagnosis were studied as independent variables while cost and length of hospitalization were the dependent variables. The statistical analysis were performed by means of Pearson's chi-square test and linear regression.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> A total number of 137,546 hospitalizations with cost of R$ 101,019,926.20 have been described throughout the study period. Of this total, R$ 49,661,829.38 was allocated for males (49.2%) and R$ 51,358,096.77 for females (50.8%). The ratio between the proportion of funds paid for hospitalizations and the proportional size of the population increases gradually with age for both sexes. The average cost and length of hospitalization decrease with increasing age. 70.6% of total expenditures (R$ 71,480,950.14) were for circulatory diseases, mental disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive tract, and neoplasms. The mean length of hospitalization was longer for the mental and behavioral disorders.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> Knowing the profile of hospitalizations has shown to be very important for monitoring and evaluating the health care system and the outcome of this study reinforces the need for implementing prevention activities and health programs throughout the life course.</p>

<p>Gerontology is the elderlys study that includes the relation between biological, psychological and social aspects. It's a dynamic e personal process. The song "foster child" is a classic regional Brazilian song that shows a lot of aspects about elderly; the family and her relationships since of children education until their responsibility to take care of the parents when they became older. Themes like violence, asylum, to be father in law and others will be discuss in this song. The regional Brazilian song is so popular and it can be used to get information and paradigms changes in the society</p>

<p>In Brazil, the elderly population presents the fastest growing segment in proportional terms and according to World Health Organization, the global impact of cancer more than doubled in 30 years. National estimates of 2010, which will be also valid for 2011, show the occurrence of 489,270 new cases. Although the link between cancer and senectude be complex and fundamental questions remain unanswered, it is expected that these indicators will increase even more with the progressive aging of the population. In this context, it is necessary to develop an interaction between oncology and geriatrics, in order to promote the evaluation of elderly patients with cancer individually, in its multiple dimensions, focusing on their comorbidities, functional status, level of dependence and the physiological factors related to senescence that limit treatment to develop the best therapeutic regimen for each patient in an interdisciplinary way, ensuring equal access to quality care.</p>

<p>Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, but their action in immunocompetent individuals has gained prominence in the field of geriatrics, in immunosenescence's works, with numerous studies revealing a significant association between HCMV chronic infection and increase of functional limitations and mortality in the population after 60 years. Research has demonstrated that HCMV chronic infection is directly related to immunological changes of aging, specifically with changes in lymphocyte T cell response, this set of changes was called immune risk profile (IRP), which is associated with the limitation on the ability of the immune system to organize an effective response to pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections, among other consequences. This article aims to review the role of HCMV in the aging, the immune risk profile markers and their consequences for the health of elderly population.</p>

No summary/description provided

<p><b>INTRODUCTION:</b> Dementia are increasingly prevalent in population. The most common causes of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Screening tests have been used for the premature diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD), specifically in the executive functions and language, which are compromised at an initial stage. However, the necessity standardized means and validated for our middle, to show oneself a pressing subject.<br> <b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To analyze the impact of the length of sentences in the abstraction of proverbs in the Screening Test for Alzheimer's Disease with Proverbs (TRDAP), healthy elderly and with Alzheimer's disease at early stage.<br> <b>METHOD:</b> Survey document in the database, analyzing the responses of the elderly (abstract or concrete interpretation of proverbs), relating the length of sentences (sayings) of stage B of TRDAP with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and the interference of age and schooling.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> Healthy older people showed greater capacity for abstraction than those with AD. There was significant differences, in the sayings 1 (p = 0.033) and 2 (p = 0.001), corresponding to lower sentences, which did not occur with the proverb 3 (p = 0.090), with the biggest sentence. As for age no verified significant difference among the healthy and only saying 3 in AD patients, however schooling differenced the healthy.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> Elderly people with Alzheimer's disease at an initial stage have lower performance in the comprehension of ambiguous sentences, interpretation and abstraction of proverbs, corroborating with the data of the literature. The size of these sentences appears to be inversely proportional to the correctness of interpretation in elderly patients with and without AD. As lesser sentence, the better the capacity for abstraction.</p>

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> The objective of this study was to identify the physiological response of multiple trauma elderly with chronic constipation to the use of a symbiotic compost.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> It was characterized as a non-controlled experimental study, which included 12 elderly patients, with multiple trauma and chronic constipation as a secondary disease and that were hospitalized in a public trauma referral hospital in Par&aacute;, Brasil.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> At the initial evaluation there was an average of 5.5 days of time off defecation. At the end of the intervention with the symbiotic held for eight days, 100% of patients had experienced episodes of defecation, especially for the type 4 stool (shaped, smooth and soft faeces - ideal type), according to the Bristol Stool Scale, present in 75% o the sample. The average of days to the first bowel movement after the use of symbiotic was 2.58 ± 1.72.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> The use of symbiotic was shown to cause a positive physiological response in the multiple trauma elderly, through the improvement of the constipation.</p>

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly inpatients in a public hospital of the Northeastern region (S&atilde;o Lu&iacute;s/MA) and its association to depression.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> In 2009, a prospective cross-sectional study evaluated elderly patients admitted through the application of a questionnaire containing variables for socioeconomic aspects, gender, race and marital status. Nutritional status was established by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) applied with less than 72 hours after admission. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess symptoms suggestive of depression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Differences were considered significant when p &lt; 0.05.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> 92 elderly inpatients have been evaluated, 53.3% were men, 43.5% were mulatto, 52.2% were married, 88.0% retired, 55.4% were illiterate and 85.9% reported personal income of one minimum salary. The total score of the average MNA was 17.6 ± 5.8 points. The prevalence of risk of malnutrition and malnutrition was respectively of: 37.8% and 43.3%. The average GDS score was 6.9 ± 3.0 points. The prevalence of depression was of 56.3%. There was a significant association between malnutrition and female sex, widowhood and depression.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> The prevalence of malnutrition and depression were high with a significant association in elderly inpatients in the Northeastern region (S&atilde;o Lu&iacute;s/MA).</p>

<p><b>INTRODUCTION:</b> Functional capacity is an important component of quality of life and health marker that reflects the overall condition of the elderly. Together with functional capacity assessment, nutritional and anthropometric evaluations are also used to estimate health in this population. Observed association between these parameters.<br> <b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To study the relationship among anthropometric and nutritional data and functional capacity in the senior population of a long permanence institution (LPI) located in Botucatu - SP, Brazil, analyzed the relationship between anthropometric data and the functional capacity in elderly.<br> <b>MATERIALS AND METHODS:</b> Design: Cross-sectional. We evaluated 54 individuals, and measured anthropometric data with calculation of body mass index (BMI). We evaluated the functional capacity by the Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). We analyzed the association between dependence and anthropometric variables obtained.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> Of the institutionalized individuals assessed (19 males and 35 females with mean age of 76.1 ± 9.9 years), 46.3% showed BMI &lt; 22 kg/m². Dependence for ADL was directly associated with low weight (BMI <u>&lt;</u> 22 kg/m²) in 33.3% of the cases (p &lt; 0.05).<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> Most LPI elderly residents showed low weight associated with reduced functional capacity for ADL.</p>

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> This research aims at identifying the physician's considerations regarding the terminal patient and evaluating his attitude towards the end of life.<br> <b>METHOD:</b> The method chosen was the qualitative-descriptive type, with methodological frame based upon Collective Subject Discourse. Twenty physicians were interviewed, who were responsible for the terminal patients' treatment at the regional hospital, Pouso Alegre city, in Brazil. Data was reached through a semi-structured questionnaire, with two questions that were recorded and transcribed in full.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> The discussion of the considerations about terminal patient and the observation of the development of the physician-terminal patient relationship, allows the results to reinforce that the conflict between the professional personality and the medical reality orientates the physician-terminal patient relationship, inducing the physician to judge his embarrassing presence, and even useless, near the patient's bedstead. However, the bioethical principles about the end of life do not limit themselves only to the patient's right of knowing the truth, but also establish the right to the dialogue with his physician and reinforce the necessity of a relationship based on reciprocity.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> Most of the physicians interviewed believe to be their mission to cure. However, according to Hippocrates, the physician's obligation is to treat when that's possible and always take care. This care is defended on the bioethical principles as the physician's presence near the patient, respecting his desire to speak, to be heard, to get answers, at a time when every event, word, thought, purpose, decision and action assume a new meaning.</p>

<p>In this text we describe a case report of a 60 years old patient with a 12 hour anterograde memory disturbance and a complete resolution of this symptom after. The presenting symptom, a complete and spontaneous recovery and the exclusion of other neurologic conditions were consistent with the diagnosis of transient global amnesia (TGA). Transient global amnesia generally causes profound upset in the patients and their families although it is considered a benign condition. The physiopathology is yet to be elucidaded and the incidence is higher in the elderly. Memory complaints are very much discussed in this age group although the TGA is not much debated in geriatrics.</p>

<p>The occurrence and the development of progressive, symptomatic manifestations of dementia of Alzheimer's type (AD) are questions that researchers in different disciplinary and clinical fields must be concerned. This paper discusses the specifities of how the patients should be treated, both in the diagnostic phase and the treatment itself. The objective of this study was to identify ways of obtaining the cooperation of people with Alzheimer's disease during the odontological treatment; also the involvement of family/caretaker to achieve better results in clinical intervention. During 24 months between February 2004 and February 2006, 51 patients with AD - age group between 60 and 90 years old were examined/followed in the outpatient clinic (Hospital do Servidor P&uacute;blico Municipal de S&atilde;o Paulo) or at home. They were inserted in three distinct odontological treatment plans, according to the early, moderate or late stages of the disease, based on Alzheimer's disease guide from Associa&ccedil;&atilde;o Brasileira de Alzheimer (ABRAz). The results were: Treatment plan I - 39 patients all of them treated in the outpatient clinic with the optional presence of a family member/caretaker and no sedation; Treatment plan II - 8 patients all of them treated in the outpatient clinic with the presence of a family member in all appointments and no need for sedation; Treatment Plan III - 4 patients were assisted at their homes. In two of these cases, there were needs for sedation. The results showed that the effective participation of the caretaker; as well as the commitment to the relationship work with the patient, constitute an essential requirement for therapeutic success in all stages of the disease.</p>

<p>It has been happening an important change in the world population with increasing number of older people, life expectancy and prevalence of chronic diseases mainly the cardiovascular disorders. To manage this condition is important to have efficient methods of diagnosis and cardiovascular prevention. Aging promotes physiologic changes which influence the normal parameters of the tests. It may also alter the associated enfermities and the wishes of the patients for less invasive procedures. To update the bibliography about treadmill test in the elderly, the research was carried out with the keywords: "exercise test", "treadmill stress test X elderly" and "aged" on the Medline, SciELO and Lilacs. Authors which have evaluated older patients during the test showed the efficacy and security of this method as well as its indication. The examination should be applied to clinical evaluation and mainly evaluation of the functional capacity, with important prognostic value.</p>

<p>This article presents initial reflections of the author in his doctoral research on aging and sexuality, and weighs about a "new" old conceived in light of the transformations of modern society, conceptualizing it and bring out some expressions of this phenomenon. Discusses miscellaneous provisions that characterize today being old and the discovery of new social roles.</p>

<p><b>INTRODUCTION:</b> The free and cued selective reminding test (FCSR) assesses pathological forgetfulness (recalling of 16 items encoded by a visuo-verbal semantic strategy), distinguishing encoding from retrieval deficits. Immediate free recall (FRimm) is a predictor of learning capacity, which declines with age and increases according to education level.<br> <b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To test the effects of age and education on the ecrt subscores, focusing on FRimm.<br> <b>METHOD:</b> 104 independent volunteers with normal Mini-Mental State scores were grouped as "adults" (N = 32; age: 33 ± 11 years; education: 14 ± 2 years) and "elders" (N = 72; age: 72 ± 7 years; education: 5 ± 5 years). The association between FRimm and age and education was estimated by multiple binary logistic regression and the results presented as the odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence intervals.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> The chance of decline in performance was 22% (p <u>&lt;</u> 0,01) as the age increased, while that the subjects with more years of education have 31% less chance of decline in performance (p <u>&lt;</u> 0,05) in the FRimm.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> The normal ageing was associated to a decline in the learning process, while the education level had a protective effect against this decline.</p>

<p><b>INTRODUCTION:</b> The growth of the elderly population is a worldwide phenomenon that brings as consequence an increase in morbidities associated with the aging process, which may lead the elderly to the fragility. Then, there is need for the different health services that attends this portion of the population like the home care. The evaluation of the elderly should be done widely, by using specific instruments, and it is important in the context of home care.<br> <b>OBJECTIVE:</b> Characterize the elderly from a home care program regarding health and functionality.<br> <b>METHOD:</b> Quantitative, descriptive and retrospective study, realized with data collected from elderlys medical records that user the Home Care Program for Elderly, from period of elderly's admission in the program until end of 2008. It was used a semi-structured guide to documental analysis. Data were analyzed by simple frequency obtained.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> It was found that 75.4% of the elderly were 80 years old or more, 77% were semi-dependent for activities of daily living, 50.8% were bedridden, 42% had cognitive impairment, 90.2% had urinary incontinence and 52.4% had at least one fall.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> The elderly from the program showed fragility. Their evaluation by an interdisciplinary team allows interventions that contribute to a better medical care and quality of service.</p>

<p>With the increasing number of elderly people in our country, it becomes increasingly frequent presence of elderly in the health services. In this context, the objective of this study is to describe how is the training of nursing professionals, second performance of the Technical Department of Health of the Elderly, the body responsible in the state of Bahia, based on the National Program for the Elderly (PNI) and public policies related to this population. This is a qualitative field research where we use the documentary method of descriptive and exploratory. Composed of 417 municipalities, Bahia has only three professionals responsible for training and cover the whole territory. The training of health staff is essential for the proper care for the elderly. Becomes necessary reflection and critical thinking which compel us to seek knowledge, through the responsible sectors to provide a differentiated and quality care to the elderly.</p>

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To assess the physical activity among 122 elderly women attending a family health practice from Crato city, Brazil.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> To determine the level of physical activity it was used the Questionnaire Baecke Modified for seniors (QBMI). The statistical analysis was composed of descriptive and inferential analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 for Windows. The significance level and statistical error considered was 5% (p &lt; 0,05).<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> According to the results of QBMI, it was found high prevalence of physical activity (NAF <u>&gt;</u> 2.10) in most older studied (67,2%), which was mainly due to the practice of leisure activity (93,4%) as regular walk. Level of physical activity medium (1,70-2,10) was found in 32,8% of the participants, mainly influenced by indoor activities (26,2%).<br> <b>CONCLUSIONS:</b> It was found that the levels of physical activity assessed by QBMI were relatively high among elderly women who practiced regular physical activity. Further studies aimed to investigate interventions that may increase the physical activity levels among elderly people are recommended.</p>

<p><b>INTRODUCTION:</b> Pain is the most common symptom in terminally ill patients, pain relief and has a prominent role, seeking above all the welfare and comfort of the patient and his control provides improved quality of life of the patient until his death. Nursing is predominant in the treatment of pain, focusing mainly on the care and maintenance of quality of life at all stages of the disease process, i.e., diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation. And the physiotherapist has a large arsenal of techniques that complement the treatment of pain in terminally ill patients, many of these proven, but others need more extensive studies.<br> <b>OBJECTIVE:</b> This study aimed to address the main therapeutic strategies used by nursing and physical therapy to treat pain in terminally ill geriatric.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> The study design was systematic review of the literature, the studies reviewed were located by searching the databases Lilacs, Medline and Bireme.<br> <b>CONCLUSIONS:</b> The interdisciplinary team approach is paramount in treating these patients because of high complexity, because each has its own professional resources for treatment and evaluation methods, and thus can cover all aspects such as: biological, spiritual, social and psychological treatment involved.</p>