Abstract Cognitive reserve (CR) is a construct generally associated with neurodegenerative diseases in aging. The aim of this paper was to examine the CR profiles of older adults at different stages of their lifespan and evaluate the importance of: (a) gender and CR; and (b) CR, cognition, and symptoms of depression. A sample of 195 older adults volunteered to participate in the study, and a cluster analysis was carried out on their responses in terms of the Cognitive Reserve Scale. The cluster analysis depicted two different profiles. Furthermore, women had a better CR than men. The results provide an important contribution to understanding the variables related to the CR construct.

Resumo A reserva cognitiva (RC) é um construto geralmente associado a doenças neurodegenerativas no envelhecimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar os perfis de RC em adultos idosos em diferentes estágios da vida, e avaliar o efeito de: (a) gênero e RC; e (b) RC, cognição e sintomas depressivos. A amostra contou com 195 adultos, e uma análise de cluster foi realizada a partir dos escores obtidos na Escala de Reserva Cognitiva. A análise de cluster descreveu dois perfis diferentes. Além disso, as mulheres apresentaram maior RC em comparação aos homens. Os resultados fornecem contribuições importantes para as variáveis relacionadas ao construto da RC.

Abstract This was a quantitative, retrospective, correlational, cross-sectional study that aimed to provide normative CDT (Clock-Drawing Test) data for older adults, taking into account different age groups and educational levels. The sample included 235 older adults distributed among five age groups and four levels of education. The instruments were Sociodemographic Data Sheet, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale reduced version (GDS-15), the Semantic Verbal Fluency Task (TFVS), and the CDT. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and univariate analysis (one-way ANOVA) with Scheffe post hoc were used. The CDT scores showed significant associations with age, years of schooling, MMSE, TFVS, and GDS-15. There was a difference in performance in CDT when considering age groups. The present study was able to provide normative values for CDT in a sample of older adults in southern Brazil that were influenced by age, education, depressive symptoms, and verbal fluency.

Resumen Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, retrospectivo, correlacional y transversal, con el objetivo de aportar datos normativos sobre el TDR para ancianos, teniendo en cuenta diferentes grupos de edad y niveles educativos. La muestra incluyó a 235 ancianos distribuidos en cinco grupos de edad y cuatro niveles de educación. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron Ficha de Datos Sociodemográficos, Mini Examen del Estado Mental (MMSE), Escala de Depresión Geriátrica, versión reducida (GDS-15), Tarea de Fluidez Verbal Semántica (TFVS) y TDR. Se emplearon estadísticas descriptivas, correlación de Pearson y análisis univariante (one-way ANOVA) con post hoc Scheffe. Los puntajes de TDR mostraron asociaciones significativas con la edad, años de escolaridad, MMSE, TFVS y GDS-15. Hubo diferencia en el desempeño en el TDR al considerar los grupos por edad. El presente estudio fue capaz de proporcionar valores normativos para TDR en una muestra de ancianos en el sur de Brasil influenciados por la edad, la escolaridad, los síntomas depresivos y la fluidez verbal.

Resumo Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo, correlacional e de corte transversal, com objetivo de fornecer dados normativos do TDR para idosos, levando em consideração diferentes faixas etárias e níveis de escolaridade. Duzentos e trinta e cinco foram entrevistados individualmente, distribuídos em cinco grupos etários e quatro níveis de escolaridade. Os instrumentos foram Ficha de Dados Sociodemográficos, Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Escala de Depressão Geriátrica, versão reduzida (GDS-15), Tarefa de Fluência Verbal Semântica (TFVS) e o TDR. Utilizou-se estatísticas descritivas, correlação de Pearson e análise univariada (one-way ANOVA) com post hoc Scheffe. Os escores do TDR apresentaram associações significativas com os anos de idade, anos de escolaridade, MEEM, TFVS e GDS-15. Houve diferença de desempenho no TDR ao considerarem os grupos por idade. O estudo fornece valores normativos para o TDR em uma amostra de idosos do sul do Brasil que foram influenciados pela idade, escolaridade, sintomatologia depressiva e fluência verbal.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to translate and adapt the National Institute of Mental Health Life Chart Method – Self/Prospective (NIMH-LCM-S/P™) instrument for self-monitoring of mood into Brazilian Portuguese and provide evidence of content validity. Additionally, a user guide was prepared for the instrument and evaluated by mental health professionals. Methods The study was divided into two stages – Stage 1: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation and Stage 2: Determination of content validity index (CVI) scores. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process involved 37 participants between translators, experts, target population, and evaluators. Results The CVI was evaluated by 15 mental health professionals. 11 (78.57%) of the items evaluated attained the maximum CVI score of 1.00, which constitutes the highest level of content validity, and no changes were suggested by participants. Only one of the items evaluated had a CVI score lower than 0.80. Conclusion The final translated and adapted version of the NIMH-LCM-S/P™ and its user guide were evaluated by the target population and the mental health professionals. Both groups displayed satisfactory comprehension levels, suggesting there is potential for using this instrument in clinical practice to assess therapeutic interventions in Brazilian settings.

Resumo O objetivo foi investigar as funções executivas (FE) em idosos com Doença de Parkinson (DP). Estudo transversal e comparativo, composto por 62 participantes, 50% do sexo feminino, recrutados por conveniência em cinco cidades do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e divididos em dois grupos: com DP (n = 31; Midade = 75,26; DP idade = 7,26) e grupo controle (n = 31; M idade = 74,03; DP idade = 6,95), com idade entre 61 e 93 anos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: questionário de dados sociodemográficos, MEEM; GDS-15; BIS-11; tarefas de fluência verbal (FAS e animais); DEX; WCST-64 e FDT. Foram utilizadas análises descritivas e os testes t de Student e Qui-quadrado. O grupo com DP teve desempenho inferior nos testes WCST-64 e FDT em comparação aos controles, indicando pior desempenho nas tarefas que exigiam raciocínio, flexibilidade cognitiva e velocidade de processamento, além disso, mostraram dificuldades ao realizar tarefas que demandam FE (DEX).

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate executive functions (EFs) in older adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It was a cross-sectional and comparative study, composed of 62 participants divided into PD group (n = 31; M age = 75.26; SD age = 7.26) and control group (n = 31; M age = 74.03; SD age = 6.95), aged 61 to 93 years, recruited for convenience in 5 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The instruments used were a sociodemographic data questionnaire; MMSE; GDS-15; BIS-11; verbal fluency tasks (FAS and animals), DEX; WCST-64 and FDT. Descriptive analyzes and Student’s t and Chi-square tests were used. The PD group had a lower performance in the WCST-64 and FDT tests compared to controls, indicating worse performance in tasks that required reasoning, cognitive flexibility and processing speed, in addition, showed difficulties in performing tasks that require EF (DEX).

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar las funciones ejecutivas (FE) en ancianos con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). Se trató de un estudio transversal y comparativo, compuesto por 62 participantes, 50% mujeres, reclutados por conveniencia en cinco ciudades de la provincia de Rio Grande do Sul, y divididos en dos grupos: con EP (n = 31; M edad = 75,26; DS edad = 7,26) y grupo control (n = 31; M edad = 74,03; DS edad = 6,95). Fueron usados cuestionarios de datos sociodemográficos, MEEM, GDS-15; BIS-11; tareas de fluencia verbal (FAS y animales), DEX; WCST-64 y FDT. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, prueba t de Student y chi-cuadrado. El grupo EP tuvo un rendimiento más bajo en las pruebas WCST-64 y FDT en comparación con el grupo control, lo que indica un peor rendimiento en tareas que requerían razonamiento, flexibilidad cognitiva y velocidad de procesamiento, además, mostró dificultades para realizar tareas que demandan FE (DEX).

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to translate and adapt the National Institute of Mental Health Life Chart Method – Self/Prospective (NIMH-LCM-S/P™) instrument for self-monitoring of mood into Brazilian Portuguese and provide evidence of content validity. Additionally, a user guide was prepared for the instrument and evaluated by mental health professionals. Methods The study was divided into two stages – Stage 1: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation and Stage 2: Determination of content validity index (CVI) scores. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process involved 37 participants between translators, experts, target population, and evaluators. Results The CVI was evaluated by 15 mental health professionals. 11 (78.57%) of the items evaluated attained the maximum CVI score of 1.00, which constitutes the highest level of content validity, and no changes were suggested by participants. Only one of the items evaluated had a CVI score lower than 0.80. Conclusion The final translated and adapted version of the NIMH-LCM-S/P™ and its user guide were evaluated by the target population and the mental health professionals. Both groups displayed satisfactory comprehension levels, suggesting there is potential for using this instrument in clinical practice to assess therapeutic interventions in Brazilian settings.

Resumo O isolamento social causado pela pandemia mundial interferiu não somente na forma como as pessoas se relacionam, mas também trouxe grande impacto na saúde mental da população, independentemente da idade. Este estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar a intensidade de sintomas de depressão e de ansiedade, estresse percebido, níveis de solidão e de bem-estar psicológico em idosos durante o distanciamento social devido à pandemia da COVID-19. Participaram do estudo 86 idosos, de 60 a 90 anos de idade (M = 70,95; DP = 7,08), moradores da região sul do país. Eles foram entrevistados por uma chamada de vídeo por WhatsApp e responderam sobre sintomas de estresse, ansiedade, solidão, depressão e saúde mental positiva. Os resultados mostraram que 55,8% apresentaram sintomas acentuados de estresse, 18,6% sintomas de ansiedade, 16,3% sintomas de depressão e 5,82% solidão moderada a grave. Verificou-se que os participantes que se sentiam mais sozinhos apresentaram menores escores de bem-estar.

Abstract Social isolation due to the global pandemic influenced not only the way how people interact, but it also brought a huge impact on the population’s mental health, regardless of their age. This study aimed to evaluate the intensity of symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived stress, levels of loneliness, and psychological well-being in the elderly during social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 86 elderlies, aged 60 to 90 years old (M=70.95; SD=7.08), living in the southern region of the country. They were interviewed by a WhatsApp video call and responded about symptoms of stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and positive mental health. The results showed that 55.8% had high stress symptoms, 18.6% anxiety symptoms, 16.3% depression symptoms, and 5.82% moderate to severe loneliness. It was found that participants who felt more alone had lower well-being scores.

Resumen El aislamiento social causado por la pandemia mundial ha interferido en la manera en que las personas se relacionan, teniendo un gran impacto en la salud mental de la población, independientemente de su edad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la intensidad de los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, estrés percibido, niveles de soledad y bienestar psicológico en ancianos durante el distanciamiento social por la pandemia de COVID-19. El estudio incluyó a 86 personas mayores, de 60 a 90 años (M=70,95; DS=7,08), residentes en la región sur del país. Fueron entrevistados por una videollamada de WhatsApp y respondieron sobre síntomas de estrés, ansiedad, soledad, depresión y salud mental positiva. Los resultados mostraron que 55,8% tenía síntomas de estrés severo, 18,6% síntomas de ansiedad, 16,3% síntomas de depresión y 5,82% soledad moderada a severa. Se averiguó que los participantes que se sentían más solos tenían puntuaciones de bienestar más bajas.

RESUMO A doença de Parkinson (PD) é uma doença neurológica crônica e progressiva, resultante da degeneração celular na substância negra, responsável pela produção de dopamina. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o funcionamento cognitivo, fatores de personalidade e prevalência de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Além disso, este estudo procurou analisar se os fatores de personalidade eram preditores de funcionamento cognitivo. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 30 idosos com DP. Os participantes responderam a uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos, o NEO-FFI-R (Inventário de Cinco Fatores NEO Revisado), o Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), o Beta III, o Teste de Fluência Verbal Semântica (Categoria Animais), o Subteste Dígitos da Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para adultos, o teste de nomeação de Boston da bateria CERAD, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. Resultados: Os idosos com DP apresentaram comprometimento nas funções de memória episódica verbal e funções executivas. A maioria dos participantes demonstrou baixos níveis de neuroticismo. O fator de extroversão foi positivamente correlacionado com as funções executivas e o fator de abertura à experiência foi positivamente correlacionado com a memória episódica verbal. Conclusão: Conclui-se que idosos com DP apresentam comprometimento na memória e nas funções executivas. O fator que mais contribuiu para o desempenho dos idosos com DP em tarefas de memória e funções executivas foi o fator extroversão.

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, resulting from cell degeneration in the substantia nigra, responsible for the production of dopamine. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the cognitive functioning, personality factors and prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, this study sought to analyze whether personality factors were predictors of cognitive functioning. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 elderly with PD. Participants completed a sociodemographic data sheet, the NEO-FFI-R (Five Factor Inventory NEO Revised), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Beta-III, the phonemic verbal fluency test and semantics (Animals), the digits span subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults and the Boston Naming Test and the word list of the CERAD battery, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The elderly with PD presented impairment in verbal episodic memory and executive functions. Most of the participants demonstrated low levels of neuroticism. The extraversion factor was positively correlated with executive functions and the openness to experience factor was positively correlated with verbal episodic memory. It was concluded that the elderly with PD presented memory and executive function impairments. The factor that most contributed to performance of the elderly with PD on memory and executive function tasks was the extraversion factor.

Resumen Varios estudios han investigado la asociación entre trastornos psiquiátricos y alteraciones en el desarrollo cognitivo, el rendimiento académico y la capacidad de aprendizaje. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han explorado la relación entre los eventos estresantes y la repetición escolar. Por lo tanto, el objetivo principal de este estudio fue comparar la frecuencia de exposición a eventos estresantes, el rendimiento académico, el funcionamiento ejecutivo y el desempeño en tareas de memoria de trabajo en los adolescentes con y sin antecedentes de repetición escolar. Se trata de un estudio transversal. La muestra estuvo constituida por 83 adolescentes, divididos en dos grupos: (1) los individuos con antecedentes de repetición escolar (n = 39) y (2) los participantes que nunca repitieron un año escolar (n = 44). Los participantes fueron sometidos a pruebas para evaluar las funciones ejecutivas, la inteligencia, la exposición a eventos estresantes y el rendimiento académico. Los resultados mostraron que los individuos con historia de repetición escolar relataron la ocurrencia de un mayor número de eventos estresantes durante la adolescencia, tuvieron un peor rendimiento académico y obtuvieron puntuaciones más bajas en las tareas de funcionamiento ejecutivo y memoria de trabajo que los que no repitieron.

Abstract A number of studies have investigated the association between psychiatric disorders and alterations in cognitive development, academic performance, and learning ability. However, few studies have explored the relationship between stressful events and grade repetition. Therefore, the main goal of the present study was to compare the frequency of exposure to stressful events, academic performance, executive functioning, and performance on working memory tasks between adolescents with and without a history of grade repetition. This was a cross-sectional study. The sample was composed of 83 adolescents divided into two groups: (1) individuals with a history of grade repetition (n = 39) and (2) participants who had never repeated a grade (n = 44). Participants were administered tests to assess executive functions, intelligence, exposure to stressful events, and academic performance. Results showed that individuals with a history of grade repetition reported to experiencing a higher number of stressful events in adolescence, had worse academic performance, and obtained lower scores on executive functioning and working memory tasks than non-repeaters.

Resumen La prontitud al cambio es un factor clave en el éxito de las intervenciones en los usuarios de drogas. Parte de este proceso está relacionado con la preservación de las funciones neuropsicológicas. Sin embargo, pocos estudios se han centrado en la influencia de estos en los procesos motivacionales. Este estudio examinó las asociaciones entre los déficits cognitivos y prontitud para el cambio en 113 usuarios de cocaína/crack, a los que se les aplicó el WCST , sub-tests del WAIS-III, la URICA y la Regla de prontitud para el cambio. Encontramos una correlación significativa entre los déficits cognitivos y menores grados de motivación. Tambien eran encontrados niveles de influencia del rendimiento en tests cognitivos en el aumento de la prontitud al cambio, lo que sugiere una relación directa entre la preservación de las funciones neuropsicológicas y una major prontitud para el cambio en los usuarios de cocaína/crack.

Abstract A substance user’s readiness to change is fundamental to the success of psychological interventions and treatments. Preserving neuropsychological functions is an integral part of moving towards readiness, yet few studies have evaluated the influence of cognition on a user’s motivation to change. Therefore, this paper aimed to verify the possible correlations between a user’s cognitive deficits and readiness to change through examining cocaine/crack users. This study analyzed a sample of 113 chronic cocaine/crack users’ performances on the WCST and WAIS-III subtests, the URICA, and the Readiness to Change Ruler. The results showed significant correlations between the presence of cognitive deficits and lower levels of motivation to change. Multiple regression analyses revealed the influence of cognitive test performance on the increase of readiness to change among the participants, suggesting a direct relation between the preservation of neuropsychological functions and a stronger willingness to change in cocaine/crack users.

In Brazil, the number of validated and recognized scientific instruments for clinical evaluation of elderly persons is limited. The Older Adult Self-Report (OASR) is a psychopathological rating scale for persons with more than 60 years, which evaluates adaptive functioning and psychopathology. The aim of this study was at investigating OASR construct and criterion validity evidence for Brazilian elderly. The sample included 345 individuals, between 60 and 94 years of age, which were recruited by convenience. Participants responded to a questionnaire containing questions about demographic and health information, the Mini Mental State Examination, the Geriatric Depression Scale short version and the OASR. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and discriminant analysis. The results showed significant associations between the scores of OASR's subscales, correlating with general cognitive ability and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, OASR was sensitive to identify elderly with significant symptoms of depression. In conclusion, the OASR showed adequate evidence of construct and criterion validity for a sample of Brazilian elderly.

En Brasil, el número de instrumentos científicos validados y reconocidos para la evaluación clínica de las personas de adultos mayores es limitado. El Autoinforme del Adulto Mayor (OASR) es una escala de evaluación psicopatológica de las personas con más de 60 años, que evalúa el funcionamiento adaptativo y la psicopatología. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el constructo OASR y buscar evidencia de la validez de criterio para adultos mayores brasileños. La muestra incluyó a 345 individuos, entre 60 y 94 años de edad, que fueron reclutados por conveniencia. Los participantes respondieron a un cuestionario que contenía preguntas sobre informaciones demográficas y de salud, y también el Examen Mini del Estado Mental, la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica versión corta y la OASR. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva, análisis de correlación y discriminante de Pearson. Los resultados mostraron asociaciones significativas entre las subescalas de OASR, evidenciando correlación con la capacidad cognitiva general y síntomas depresivos. Además, OASR fue sensible para identificar a adultos mayores con síntomas significativos de depresión. En conclusión, el OASR mostró evidencia adecuada de constructo y la validez de criterio para una muestra de ancianos brasileños.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou verificar a prevalência e os tipos de maus-tratos sofridos por idosos, registrados na Delegacia de Proteção ao Idoso do município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Além disso, buscou descrever o perfil da vítima e do agressor e identificar os motivos relacionados à ocorrência de maus-tratos nesse grupo etário. Realizou-se um estudo documental e retrospectivo com base nos boletins de ocorrência da Delegacia de Proteção ao Idoso de Porto Alegre registrados nos meses de abril e maio de 2011. Dos 224 boletins de ocorrência avaliados, 175 denunciavam situações de maus-tratos. Os maus-tratos psicológicos foram os mais frequentes, seguidos pelo abuso financeiro ou material. A vítima, na maioria dos casos, foi do sexo feminino e de baixa escolaridade. O agressor, geralmente, era do sexo masculino e familiar da vítima. Os resultados demonstram uma incidência significativa de maus-tratos contra idosos no município de Porto Alegre.

Abstract This study aimed to identify the prevalence of elder abuse in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, causes of abuse, and the profile of the victim and the aggressor. A retrospective documentary study was carried out based on police reports filed in April and May 2011 to the Department of Senior Services of Porto Alegre. Of the 224 police reports evaluated, 175 were of elder abuse or mistreatment. Psychological abuse was the most frequently identified type of abuse, followed by material/financial abuse. Most of the victims were senior females with low level of education, and the majority of aggressors were male family members. The results show high rates of elder abuse in the city of Porto Alegre.

Resumo A relação entre a percepção subjetiva de memória e o desempenho em testes objetivos tem sido alvo de diversos estudos em vista de sua utilidade no diagnóstico do declínio cognitivo. Dada a ausência de consenso em relação ao tema, avaliou-se o desempenho de idosos em testes objetivos de memória, correlacionando-o com a percepção subjetiva dos participantes acerca de sua memória. Cento e cinquenta e dois idosos preencheram uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos, na qual foi incluída uma questão para avaliar a percepção subjetiva acerca de sua memória. Dados objetivos foram coletados a partir do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental, dos subtestes de Memória do Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve, da Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e do Inventário Beck de Ansiedade. Correlações parciais significativas foram verificadas nas tarefas de memória de trabalho, memória episódica verbal e memória semântica de longo prazo, fornecendo evidências acerca da utilidade clínica da medida de percepção subjetiva de memória.

Abstract The relationship between subjective perception of memory and performance in objective tests has been widely investigated given its clinical relevance in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Considering the lack of consensus about this topic, this study investigated the performance of older adults on objective memory tests and its correlation with their subjective perception of their own memory. One hundred and fifty-two elderly volunteers participated in this study and answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, which included a question to evaluate the subjective perception of their own memory. Objective data were collected using the Mini Mental State Examination, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and memory subtests of the Neupsilin Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument. Significant partial correlations were found in tasks related to working memory, verbal episodic memory, and long-term semantic memory providing additional evidence of the clinical relevance of the subjective perception of memory evaluation.

Este estudo buscou investigar a influência de características sociodemográficas no desempenho de idosos em duas tarefas de fluência verbal, além de fornecer dados normativos de referência nessas tarefas, conforme níveis de educação, para a população brasileira de idosos saudáveis. A amostra inicial incluiu 521 idosos com idade a partir 60 anos, participantes do Programa Estratégia Saúde na Família. Foram excluídos os participantes que tinham pontuações sugestivas de declínio cognitivo no Mini Exame do Estado Mental, de sintomas depressivos na Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e com autorrelato de doenças neurológicas ou de distúrbios psiquiátricos. A amostra final foi composta por 218 participantes que responderam à tarefa de fluência verbal fonêmica (letras F, A e S) e 265 que responderam à tarefa semântica (animais). O desempenho em ambas as tarefas foi associado à idade e aos anos de ensino formal, mas não ao sexo. Ainda, a variável escolaridade mostrou ter um impacto maior no desempenho de fluência verbal do que a idade em ambas as modalidades de evocação. Os resultados desse estudo sugerem a importância de oferecer dados normativos de idosos brasileiros, adequados à idade e à escolaridade, em tarefas de fluência verbal.

This study aims to investigate the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the performance of older people on two tasks of verbal fluency and provide normative data for a Brazilian population of healthy elderly individuals with different educational levels. The initial sample included 521 individuals aged from 60 years, participating in the Program Family Health Strategy. Participants who had scores suggestive of cognitive decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination, depressive symptoms in Geriatric Depression Scale and self-reported neurological or psychiatric disorders were excluded. The final sample consisted of 218 participants in phonemic verbal fluency task (letters F, A and S) and 265 participants for semantic verbal fluency task (animals). The performance in both tests was associated with age and education, but not with sex. Still, the education variable was shown to have a greater impact on scores in phonemic and semantic tests than age in both forms of evocation. The results of this study suggest the importance of providing normative data for elderly Brazilians appropriate to age and education on verbal fluency tasks.

Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar os efeitos da exposição a maus-tratos sobre a autoestima, a competência social, a relação com pares e o desempenho acadêmico por meio de revisão sistemática da literatura. Para isso foi realizada uma busca de artigos indexados nos bancos de dados Medline, PsycINFO, Embase e Amed, publicados entre 1984 e 2012. Nesta revisão, 19 artigos empíricos e no idioma inglês foram analisados a partir de critérios de inclusão/exclusão. Os estudos destacam que, de maneira geral, adultos ou crianças/adolescentes que sofreram maus tratos na infância apresentaram prejuízos na autoestima, na competência social, na relação com pares e no desempenho acadêmico. A análise dos artigos permitiu, ainda, a identificação dos instrumentos utilizados para a avaliação das variáveis de interesse e a descrição do perfil dos participantes dos estudos incluídos nessa revisão.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to child maltreatment on self-esteem, social competence, peer relationships and school performance through a systematic literature review. For this purpose, a search of articles indexed in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and Amed databases between 1984 and 2012 was done. In this review, 19 empirical articles in English were analyzed based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. These studies highlight that, overall, both adults and children/teenagers who were exposed to maltreatment during childhood showed impairments on self-esteem, social competence, peer relationships, and school performance. The analysis of the articles has also allowed the identification of the instruments used to assess the variables of interest and the description of the profile of those who participated of the studies included in this review.

El actual estudio tiene como objetivo verificar el desarrollo cognitivo de las personas mayores en los diversas grupos de edad, examinando memoria, fluidez verbal, orientación secular y de espacio, memoria y atención subjetiva. Participaron en la muestra 121 personas mayores, seleccionadas aleatoriamente, entre 60 y 95 años, de ambos sexos y escolaridad variada. Para la recolección de los datos se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS), el cuestionario de quejas subjetivas de Memória (MAC-Q), Mini-Examinación de Estado mental (MEEM), la Secundario-prueba Span de Números (WAIS-R), la prueba libre del mandato selectivo y con las pistas (Buschke) y la fluidez verbal (categoría animal). Los resultados mostraron una correlación inversa entre la opinión subjetiva de las quejas de la memoria y las pruebas de los cognitivos. La influencia de la edad fue verificada y la escolaridad en las pruebas cognitivas, así, las personas mayores con menos edad y mayor escolaridad presentaron una mejor puntuación en la prueba de fluidez verbal, del MEEM y del palmo de números.

This study sought to assess the cognitive development of older adults in different age groups, examining subjective perception of memory, verbal fluency, orientation in time and space, memory, and attention. The sample consisted of 121 subjects randomly selected, between the ages of 60 and 95 years, of both sexes and with varied educational attainment, took part in the study. Data were collected with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the subjective Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Revised (WAIS-R), the Buschke Selective Reminding Test, and a category verbal fluency test (animals). Results showed an inverse correlation between subjective perception of memory complaints and cognitive test performance. Age and educational attainment influenced cognitive test performance. Younger subjects and those with a higher educational attainment scored better on the verbal fluency test, MMSE, and digit span.