Rev Rene (Jul 2015)

Association between physical frailty and cognitive scores in older adults

  • Clóris Regina Blanski Grden,
  • Maynara Fernanda Carvalho Barreto,
  • Jacy Aurélia Vieira de Sousa,
  • Juliana Andrade Chuertniek,
  • Péricles Martim Reche,
  • Pollyanna Kássia de Oliveira Borges

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.2015000300012
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 3

Abstract

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Objective: to investigate the association between physical frailty and cognitive scores in older adults at an Open University of the Third Age in Southern Brazil. Methods: descriptive cross-sectional study with convenience sample comprising 100 elderly, conducted from March to June 2013. For cognitive assessment, we applied the Mini Mental State Examination and the Edmonton Frail Scale. Results: there was a predominance of females (93%), with a mean age of 65.6 years. 81% of the participants were classified as non-frail, 16% as apparently vulnerable to frailty, and 3% as mild frailty. There was a significant association between cognitive performance and frailty (p<0.006). Conclusion: the research on the association between physical frailty and cognitive scores in older people promotes the construction of gerontological care plans aimed at managing this syndrome.

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