Capacidade funcional de idosos com doença de Alzheimer

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common among the elderly and represents 60% of diagnosed dementias. Many investigations have been conducted on the cognitive sequelae of AD, but few have focused on the extent to which deficits in cognitive abilities translate into difficulties in carrying out daily activities. Objective: To verify the influence of socio-demographic, clinical, staging, cognitive, mobility and postural balance related to the impairment of the functional capacity of the elderly with Alzheimer's Disease. Methods: This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in Natal- / RN. Participants were 40 elderly individuals aged 60 years or older with Alzheimer's disease in the Mild or moderate phase, with independent ambulation. The instruments were used: a questionnaire for the evaluation of sociodemographic and anthropometric data; Mini-Examination of Mental Health Status (MMSE); Clock Drawing Test (TDR); Verbal Fluency Test (TFV) Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Clinical Test of Sensory Organization and Balance (CTSIB). Simple descriptive analyzes, Man Withney's test, Spearman's correlation test and linear regression model were used, adopting p <0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: After regression analysis, the most influential variables for functional capacity were: clinical demential rating, mini-examination of mental health status and postural balance deficit, representing 67% of the outcome of functional capacity. Conclusion: The impairment of the functional capacity of the elderly with AD is strongly influenced by disease progression, changes in language and executive functions, and postural balance deficit.