Gerontology & Geriatric Research

The epidemiology of cognitive impairment among the aged in Brazil: Digital literacy as a health promotion strategy

2^nd International Conference on Geriatrics & Gerontology

August 24-26, 2015 Toronto, Canada

Luiz Roberto Ramos

Center for the Study of Aging, Brazil

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

A population cohort of elderly people in Sao Paulo (EPIDOSO), ongoing since 1991, has provided data on the prevalence of MCI and dementia in a large urban center and was used to validate the Portuguese version of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). A follow-up has shown that the CDR score 0.5 was the main independent predicting factor for dementia �?? hazard ratio (HR) 3.8 and 5.7 for those with sum of boxes <=1 and >1 respectively, comparing with CDR=0. Data from ELSA in the UK has shown that the use of internet physical activity independently associated with lower mortality, HR=0, 84 and 0, 61 respectively. A sample of those with a CDR 0 or 0.5 in EPIDOSO were randomly allocated to an intervention study using a digital literacy strategy to prevent cognitive decline measured by a neuropsychological battery. The intervention group had two sessions (80 min) per week of supervised activity with computers and internet. The control group received standard recommendations for memory exercise. The results have suggested that it can be a simple and low cost intervention at the primary care level, capable of preventing cognitive decline and improving quality of life of the aged.

Biography :

Email: lrr@uol.com.br