Health education as a strategy for intervention for older people with mild cognitive impairment

• Grant number: 14/18919-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2015
• End date: June 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Aline Cristina Martins Gratao
• Grantee: Juliane Cristine Dias
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With the aging population, dementia has become one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Among the different types, dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent one, accounting for nearly 60% of cases. It is believed that the sub type of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) may be an initial symptomatic form of AD. The literature suggests that this group, despite of the difficulties, have preserved the ability to learn new information and adapt their behavior and in evidence of cognitive plasticity tasks involving in verbal memory, visual and executive functions. Among the interventions in the gerontology area for this population, Health Education (HE) may be an important choice to improve memory and quality of life. Thus, it becomes imperative to develop studies using intervention strategies for this population. Considering the above, this study aims to determine the effects of HE (lectures and guidance about questions listed in the group) in elderly patients with a MCI, with pre and post intervention and follow-up. The multidimensional participants will be assessed before and after interventions by instruments assessment with follow-up after 6 months of intervention. In reaching this goal, the study will contribute to the advancement of the gerontology in the practice of evidence-based clinical interventions that clarify important issues and not yet sufficiently resolved regarding prevention of devastating diseases such the Alzheimer's disease. (AU)