Efeitos do programa de estimulação cognitiva em idosas com défices cognitivos moderados na Unidade do Sagrado Coração - CSBJ

Abstract

Aging is a worldwide demographic concern that influences policies in Europe, particularly in Portugal. The ability to process and store information tends to decrease with aging. Studies show that seniors with a lifestyle that includes intense cognitive stimulation have better global cognitive functioning and show a delayed onset of cognitive deficits. On the other hand, institutionalization has been showing to be an important factor that determines cognitive performance. This work aims to evaluate the effect of a Cognitive Stimulation Program (CSP) in an inpatient regime among patients with moderate cognitive deficit. An experimental, longitudinal, quantitative and comparative study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of cognitive stimulation on cognition and quality of life of elderly institutionalized patients. Additionally, we created a record of socio-demographic variables and three psychological instruments were used, namely: the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognition, the instrument Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for the assessment of cognition and Scale of Evaluation of Perceived Quality of Life (QOL- EUROHIS - 8 ) for the assessment of quality of life. There was a significant improvement in the scores of MoCA and EUROHIS -QOL – 8 after stimulation within the experimental group, irrespectively to diagnosis. Moreover, the experimental group performed better in both cognition and quality of life when compared to control, after stimulation. The results of our study demonstrate that the CSP is effective and is a valuable therapeutic option in elderly institutionalized patients with moderate cognitive deficits. In conclusion, this study confirmed the role of the CSP to improve the cognitive performance of institutionalized patients.

Date of Award	18 Jul 2014
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Antonio José Pacheco Palha (Supervisor)