Dementia & Neuropsychologia (Nov 2024)

Executive functions, mental health, and quality of life in healthy older adults

  • Cássia Elisa Rossetto Verga,
  • Gabriela dos Santos,
  • Tiago Nascimento Ordonez,
  • Ana Paula Bagli Moreira,
  • Laydiane Alves Costa,
  • Luiz Carlos de Moraes,
  • Patrícia Lessa,
  • Neide Pereira Cardoso,
  • Gustavo Domingos França,
  • Ambrósio Ferri Neto,
  • Beatriz Aparecida Ozello Gutierrez,
  • Henrique Salmazo da Silva,
  • Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki,
  • Thais Bento Lima da Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2024-0156
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Population aging brings about numerous challenges, particularly concerning cognitive health. In this context, socioeconomic factors such as education have received special attention due to their role in brain health. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the performance of executive functions, mental health variables, and quality of life among healthy older adults in relation to their level of education. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with participants aged 60 or older. The assessment protocol included Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination and FAS, trail-making tests A and B, Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure Scale (CASP-19), as well as the depression, anxiety, and stress scale. Results: Significant differences were found in the performance of executive functions among older adults with higher levels of education. However, mental health and quality of life variables were only related to participants’ age. Conclusion: The study showed that mental health and quality of life are not influenced by participants’ level of education but are instead strongly correlated with age.

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