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OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners of the basic health network of the city of São Paulo in relation to patients with dementia and identify patterns of attitudes. METHODS: A total of 10% of the basic health units in the city of São Paulo (n = 45) were randomly distributed into six regional health coordination centers. Up to two general practitioners were interviewed in each unit, with a total of 81 physicians interviewed. They answered the translated and cross-culturally adapted version for Brazil of two British questionnaires, the knowledge quiz (knowledge about dementias) and the attitude quiz (attitude towards the patient afflicted with dementia), as well as a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire to understand the profile of general practitioners working in primary care. Descriptive data analysis, factor analysis of the main components of the attitude quiz and study of association between attitudes and knowledge were performed, in addition to the multiple linear regression test to determine the relationship between occupational profile and knowledge about attitude patterns in dementia. RESULTS: The physicians interviewed had a median of five-year graduation time; 35.8% worked exclusively with primary care, and less than 40% had completed, or were attending, medical residency or specialization. Physicians showed a lower knowledge about the diagnosis of dementia than about the epidemiology of the disease and its therapeutic management. Their attitudes towards patients afflicted with dementia resulted in four factors: proactive optimism, delegated optimism, implicit dismay, and explicit dismay. The regression study showed that the attitude of explicit dismay decreases the longer the weekly working hours of the physician in the units, and that the delegated optimistic attitude of the physician decreases in the same situation. CONCLUSION: Investment in training is essential to improve physicians' performance in the field of dementia in primary care.

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Background: Dementia training for Brazilian general practitioners (GPs) is underdeveloped. We investigated knowledge and attitudes to dementia management among Brazilian GPs and compared these with previous UK findings to inform future decisions about how training is structured.Methods: A total of 115 Brazilian GPs were asked to complete a Portuguese translation of a questionnaire previously used in the UK. This comprised a 14-item multiple-choice knowledge quiz, and a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire assessing attitudes across 10 dementia management domains. Exploratory factorial analysis was conducted for attitudes.Results: Attitudes toward dementia demonstrated the same underlying factor structure, "heartsink" and "heartfelt" factors, in Brazil as in previous UK studies, explaining 61.6% of variance in responses. Knowledge scores were negatively correlated with heartfelt and heartsink factors.Conclusions: Greater knowledge about dementia was associated with some pessimism about dementia care. The similarity in the structure of attitudes toward dementia management between Brazilian and UK GPs provides a starting point for shared educational approaches targeting attitudes.

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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners of the basic health network of the city of São Paulo in relation to patients with dementia and identify patterns of attitudes. METHODS: A total of 10% of the basic health units in the city of São Paulo (n = 45) were randomly distributed into six regional health coordination centers. Up to two general practitioners were interviewed in each unit, with a total of 81 physicians interviewed. They answered the translated and cross-culturally adapted version for Brazil of two British questionnaires, the knowledge quiz (knowledge about dementias) and the attitude quiz (attitude towards the patient afflicted with dementia), as well as a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire to understand the profile of general practitioners working in primary care. Descriptive data analysis, factor analysis of the main components of the attitude quiz and study of association between attitudes and knowledge were performed, in addition to the multiple linear regression test to determine the relationship between occupational profile and knowledge about attitude patterns in dementia. RESULTS: The physicians interviewed had a median of five-year graduation time; 35.8% worked exclusively with primary care, and less than 40% had completed, or were attending, medical residency or specialization. Physicians showed a lower knowledge about the diagnosis of dementia than about the epidemiology of the disease and its therapeutic management. Their attitudes towards patients afflicted with dementia resulted in four factors: proactive optimism, delegated optimism, implicit dismay, and explicit dismay. The regression study showed that the attitude of explicit dismay decreases the longer the weekly working hours of the physician in the units, and that the delegated optimistic attitude of the physician decreases in the same situation. CONCLUSION: Investment in training is essential to improve physicians' performance in the field of dementia in primary care.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever os conhecimentos e atitudes dos médicos generalistas da rede básica de saúde da cidade de São Paulo em relação a pacientes com demência e identificar padrões de atitudes. MÉTODOS: Foram sorteadas aleatoriamente 10% das unidades básicas de saúde da cidade de São Paulo (n = 45), distribuídas proporcionalmente em seis coordenadorias regionais de saúde. Foram entrevistados até dois médicos generalistas em cada unidade, obtendo-se ao todo 81 médicos entrevistados. Eles responderam à versão traduzida e adaptada transculturalmente para o Brasil de dois questionários britânicos, o knowledge quiz (conhecimentos sobre demências) e o attitude quiz (atitudes frente ao paciente dementado), além de um questionário sociodemográfico e ocupacional para o entendimento do perfil dos médicos generalistas que atuam na atenção primária. Realizaram-se análise descritiva dos dados, análise fatorial dos principais componentes do attitude quiz e estudo de associação entre atitudes e conhecimentos, além do teste de regressão linear múltipla para determinar a relação entre o perfil ocupacional e de conhecimento em demência sobre os padrões de atitudes. RESULTADOS: Os médicos entrevistados tinham mediana de tempo de formado de cinco anos; 35,8% trabalhavam exclusivamente com atenção primária, e menos de 40% tinham concluído, ou estavam cursando, residência médica ou especialização. Os médicos mostraram um conhecimento menor sobre diagnóstico de demência do que sobre a epidemiologia da doença e seu manejo terapêutico. Suas atitudes em relação a pacientes dementados resultaram em quatro fatores: otimismo proativo, otimismo delegador, desalento implícito e desalento explícito. O estudo de regressão mostrou que a atitude de desalento explícito diminui quanto maior for a jornada de trabalho semanal do médico nas unidades, e que a atitude otimista delegadora do médico diminui na mesma situação. CONCLUSÕES: O investimento em capacitação é fundamental para melhorar o desempenho do médico no campo da demência na atenção primária.

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OBJECTIVE: Population aging is a global phenomenon associated with a rising prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases such as dementia. Dementia poses a challenge not only for patients but also their family caregivers who, in exercising this role, are at higher risk of mental illness. The present study investigated the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) in family caregivers of demented elderly seen at a geriatric outpatient clinic of a Brazilian teaching hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the following assessment instruments were applied: the Self Reporting Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination (caregivers aged ≥65 years) plus a sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample comprised 90 caregivers; 83 (92.2%) women, 51 (56.7%) married, 60 (66.7%) son/daughter of elder and 62 (68.6%) holding another job besides caring for the demented elder. Caregivers had a mean age of 57.3 (±11.7) years and mean education of 9.5 (±4.9) years; 62.2% of caregivers were diagnosed with common mental disorder, 50% exhibited anxiety symptoms, 52.2% depression symptoms and 66.7% reported burden. Caregivers with common mental disorder had higher scores on the anxiety, depression and burden scales (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed that caregivers with anxiety symptoms were 15 times more likely to present common mental disorder (OR: 15.0; 95% CI: 3.5-71.2) and caregivers with symptoms of depression were 8 times more likely to have CMD (OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 2.1-31.1). CONCLUSION: Results revealed a high prevalence of common mental disorder in the population studied.

OBJETIVO: O envelhecimento populacional é um fenômeno mundial que está associado ao aumento da prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas, como as demências. Demências desafiam não somente os pacientes, mas também seus familiares cuidadores que, como consequência, estão em maior risco de adoecimento mental. O estudo verificou a prevalência de transtorno mental comum em familiares cuidadores de idosos com demência acompanhados em ambulatórios de geriatria de um hospital-escola brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, os instrumentos de avaliação utilizados foram: Self Reporting Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale e Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (cuidadores com 65 anos ou mais) e questionário sócio demográfico. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 90 cuidadores; 83 (92,2%) era do sexo feminino, 51 (56,7%) casados, 60 (66,7%) filhos(as) do idoso e 62 (68,6%) possuíam alguma ocupação além de cuidar do idoso dementado. A média de idade foi 57,3 (±11,7) anos e a média de escolaridade foi de 9,5 (±4,9) anos; 62,2% dos cuidadores apresentaram transtorno mental comum, 50% apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade, 52,2% apresentaram sintomas de depressão e 66,7% apresentaram sobrecarga. Cuidadores com transtorno mental comum apresentaram escores maiores nos instrumentos de ansiedade, depressão e sobrecarga (p<0,01). Regressão logística mostrou que cuidadores com sintomas de ansiedade tiveram 15 vezes mais chances de apresentar TMC (OR: 15,0; IC95%: 3,5-71,2) e cuidadores com sintomas de depressão tiveram 8 vezes mais chances de apresentar TMC (OR: 8,0; IC95%: 2,1-31,1). CONCLUSÃO: Resultados encontrados demonstram que, na população estudada, existe alta prevalência de transtorno mental comum.

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ABSTRACT - Objective: Population aging is a global phenomenon associated with a rising prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases such as dementia. Dementia poses a challenge not only for patients but also their family caregivers who, in exercising this role, are at higher risk of mental illness. The present study investigated the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) in family caregivers of demented elderly seen at a geriatric outpatient clinic of a Brazilian teaching hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the following assessment instruments were applied: the Self Reporting Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination (caregivers aged ≥65 years) plus a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The sample comprised 90 caregivers; 83 (92.2%) women, 51 (56.7%) married, 60 (66.7%) son/daughter of elder and 62 (68.6%) holding another job besides caring for the demented elder. Caregivers had a mean age of 57.3 (±11.7) years and mean education of 9.5 (±4.9) years; 62.2% of caregivers were diagnosed with common mental disorder, 50% exhibited anxiety symptoms, 52.2% depression symptoms and 66.7% reported burden. Caregivers with common mental disorder had higher scores on the anxiety, depression and burden scales (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed that caregivers with anxiety symptoms were 15 times more likely to present common mental disorder (OR: 15.0; 95% CI: 3.5-71.2) and caregivers with symptoms of depression were 8 times more likely to have CMD (OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 2.1-31.1). Conclusion: Results revealed a high prevalence of common mental disorder in the population studied.

RESUMO - Objetivo: O envelhecimento populacional é um fenômeno mundial que está associado ao aumento da prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas, como as demências. Demências desafiam não somente os pacientes, mas também seus familiares cuidadores que, como consequência, estão em maior risco de adoecimento mental. O estudo verificou a prevalência de transtorno mental comum em familiares cuidadores de idosos com demência acompanhados em ambulatórios de geriatria de um hospital-escola brasileiro. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, os instrumentos de avaliação utilizados foram: Self Reporting Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale e Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (cuidadores com 65 anos ou mais) e questionário sócio demográfico. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 90 cuidadores; 83 (92,2%) era do sexo feminino, 51 (56,7%) casados, 60 (66,7%) filhos(as) do idoso e 62 (68,6%) possuíam alguma ocupação além de cuidar do idoso dementado. A média de idade foi 57,3 (±11,7) anos e a média de escolaridade foi de 9,5 (±4,9) anos; 62,2% dos cuidadores apresentaram transtorno mental comum, 50% apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade, 52,2% apresentaram sintomas de depressão e 66,7% apresentaram sobrecarga. Cuidadores com transtorno mental comum apresentaram escores maiores nos instrumentos de ansiedade, depressão e sobrecarga (p<0,01). Regressão logística mostrou que cuidadores com sintomas de ansiedade tiveram 15 vezes mais chances de apresentar TMC (OR: 15,0; IC95%: 3,5-71,2) e cuidadores com sintomas de depressão tiveram 8 vezes mais chances de apresentar TMC (OR: 8,0; IC95%: 2,1-31,1). Conclusão: Resultados encontrados demonstram que, na população estudada, existe alta prevalência de transtorno mental comum.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To study depression symptoms' incidence of medical interns (first year of medical residency) and its correlation with occupational characteristics, satisfaction and stress about their training program. METHODS Prospective Cohort Study conducted at Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. First year residents, N = 166, from a teaching hospital were invited to answer the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and an occupational questionnaire in a prospective longitudinal study. BDI score variation was related with socio-demographic aspects and occupational characteristics using linear regression models. RESULTS 111 subjects participated (67%); the BDI-score increased in 8 months (mean = 2.75 ± 3.29 vs. 7.00 ± 5.66; p<0.0001). The depressive symptoms' incidence was 9.01% (score>15). BDI-score variation had mean = 4.25 ± 4.93, ranging from -8 to 28. Residents not satisfied with professional training acquired (β = 3.44; p = 0.004), with their personal life (β = 2.97; p = 0.001), or who felt stressed in the relationship with senior residents (β = 2.91; p = 0.015) presented 3 more points of BDI-score after 8 months comparing to those without these perceptions; and being unsatisfied with the nursing team increased BDI-score after 8 months in 2 more points (β = 1.95; p = 0.025). CONCLUSION Among the factors that interfere with depression in interns is the occupational characteristics, which might be enhanced by the training facility. Addressing these dissatisfaction and stressful issues should help the university provide better care of interns' mental health.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estudar a incidência de sintomas depressivos em residentes de medicina de 10 ano e sua correlação com características ocupacionais, satisfação e estresse no programa. MÉTODOS Coorte prospectivo realizado na Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Foram convidados 166 médicos residentes do hospital universitário para responder ao Inventário de Depressão Beck (BDI) e a um questionário ocupacional num estudo prospectivo longitudinal. O escore da variação do BDI foi relacionado com aspectos sociodemográficos e características ocupacionais usando um modelo de regressão linear. RESULTADOS Cento e onze sujeitos participaram (67%); o escore do BDI aumentou em oito meses (média = 2,75 ± 3,29 vs. 7,00 ± 5,66; p<0,0001). A incidência dos sintomas depressivos foi de 9,01% (escore>15). A variação do escore do BDI teve média = 4,25 ± 4,93 (de -8 a 28). Residentes não satisfeitos com o treinamento profissional (β = 3,44; p = 0,004), com a vida pessoal (β = 2,97; p = 0,001) ou que se sentem estressados na relação com residentes seniores (β = 2,91; p = 0,015) apresentaram 3 pontos a mais do escore do BDI depois de oito meses em comparação com aqueles sem tais percepções; estar insatisfeito com a equipe de enfermagem aumentou o escore do BDI em 2 pontos (β = 1,95; p = 0,025). CONCLUSÃO Entre os fatores que interferem na depressão em residentes estão as características ocupacionais que podem ser melhoradas no treinamento. Esclarecer tais pontos pode ajudar a instituição a prover um melhor cuidado em saúde mental.

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AIMS: To identify sociodemographic characteristics and presence of minor symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, carried out in the hemodialysis units of the Santas Casas de Misericórdia in Marília and Tupã, São Paulo state, Brazil, with 65 hemodialytic patients, ranging from 20 to 86 years. Initially, the mental state of the participants was evaluated in order to ensure they had conditions to understand the research objectives and to respond to the evaluation instruments. Following, the subjects answered to the socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The data were organized using relative and absolute frequencies for the categorical variables, and measures of central tendency and dispersion for the quantitative variables. In order to compare the mean scores according to the studied variables, unpaired Student's t test and Analysis of Variance were used in addition to Mann Whitney U-Test and Kruskal-Wallis test when the distribution did not present normality. The adopted level of significance was 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for minor symptoms identified 42 patients with anxiety and 45 with depression. The anxiety mean scores were statistically higher in the female (10.23±4.51) than in the male (8.32±3.68) patients (p=0.034). Patients aged 31 to 41 years and 42 to 52 years had higher depression scores (12.20±1.48 and 11.16±2.50 respectively) when compared to patients aged over 52 years (9.23±3.63) and aged 20 to 30 years (5.50±2.12) (p=0.017). Patients who underwent psychotherapeutic treatment had lower scores of anxiety (1.00±1.41) compared to those who had already undergone psychotherapeutic treatment and those had never been under treatment (9.27±3.92 and 12.75±3.40 respectively) (p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, women had higher anxiety mean scores than men. The lowest scores for anxiety and depression were present in the younger and older age groups of women, and those who underwent psychotherapy presented even lower scores. Clinical management in psychotherapy can be a positive contribution to ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving the patients' ability to cope with hemodialysis.

OBJETIVOS: Identificar características sociodemográficas e a presença de sintomas menores de ansiedade e depressão em pacientes em hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, realizado nas unidades de hemodiálise das Santas Casas de Misericórdia em Marília e Tupã, estado de São Paulo, com 65 pacientes hemodialíticos, na faixa de idade entre 20 a 86 anos. Inicialmente, foi realizada avaliação do estado mental a fim de identificar se os pacientes estavam em condições de compreender os objetivos da pesquisa e de responder ao questionário sociodemográfico e clínico e a Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar. Os dados foram organizados utilizando frequências relativas a absolutas para as variáveis categóricas e medidas de tendência central e dispersão para as variáveis quantitativas. Para comparação dos escores médios segundo as variáveis estudadas foram utilizados teste t de Student não pareado e Análise de Variância, além do Teste U de Mann Whitney e do teste de Kruskal-Wallis quando a distribuição não apresentava normalidade. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar para sintomas menores identificou 42 pacientes com ansiedade e 45 com depressão. As médias dos escores de ansiedade apresentaram-se maiores nas mulheres (10,23±4,51) do que nos homens (8,32±3,68) (p=0,034). Os pacientes com idades de 31 a 41 anos e 42 a 52 anos apresentaram escores de depressão mais elevados (respectivamente 12,20±1,48 e 11,16±2,50) quando comparados aos pacientes com idades acima de 52 anos (9,23±3,63) e com idades entre 20 e 30 anos (5,50±2,12) (p=0,017). Os pacientes que realizam tratamento psicoterápico tiveram escores de ansiedade menores (1,00±1,41) em comparação aos que já haviam realizado o tratamento psicoterápico e aos que não tiveram essa intervenção (respectivamente 9,27±3,92 e 12,75±3,40) (p=0,020). CONCLUSÕES: Conforme a Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar, as mulheres apresentaram, em média, escores de ansiedade maiores. Os menores escores para ansiedade e depressão estavam presentes nas faixas etárias mais jovens e mais velhas, e os que faziam ou já haviam feito psicoterapia apresentaram escores menores. O manejo clínico em psicoterapia pode ser uma contribuição positiva para amenizar os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, melhorando a capacidade dos pacientes no enfrentamento do tratamento hemodialítico.

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OBJECTIVE: To study depression symptoms' incidence of medical interns (first year of medical residency) and its correlation with occupational characteristics, satisfaction and stress about their training program. METHODS: Prospective Cohort Study conducted at Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. First year residents, N = 166, from a teaching hospital were invited to answer the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and an occupational questionnaire in a prospective longitudinal study. BDI score variation was related with socio-demographic aspects and occupational characteristics using linear regression models. RESULTS: 111 subjects participated (67%); the BDI-score increased in 8 months (mean = 2.75 ± 3.29 vs. 7.00 ± 5.66; p<0.0001). The depressive symptoms' incidence was 9.01% (score>15). BDI-score variation had mean = 4.25 ± 4.93, ranging from -8 to 28. Residents not satisfied with professional training acquired (ß = 3.44; p = 0.004), with their personal life (ß = 2.97; p = 0.001), or who felt stressed in the relationship with senior residents (ß = 2.91; p = 0.015) presented 3 more points of BDI-score after 8 months comparing to those without these perceptions; and being unsatisfied with the nursing team increased BDI-score after 8 months in 2 more points (ß = 1.95; p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Among the factors that interfere with depression in interns is the occupational characteristics, which might be enhanced by the training facility. Addressing these dissatisfaction and stressful issues should help the university provide better care of interns' mental health.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a major public health problem and it is therefore crucial that modifiable risk factors be known prior to onset of dementia in late-life. The "Australian National University - Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index" (ANU-ADRI) is one of the potential tools for primary prevention of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to devise an adapted version of the ANU-ADRI for use in Brazil. METHODS: The instrument was translated from its original language of English into Portuguese and then back-translated into English by bilingual translators. It was subsequently reviewed and evaluated as to the degree of translation issues and equivalence. In this study, the ANU-ADRI was applied using individual (face-to-face) interviews in a public hospital, unlike the original version which is applied online by self-report. The final version (pretest) was evaluated in a sample of 10 participants with a mean age of 60 years (±11.46) and mean education of 11 years (±6.32). RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (inter-rater) was 0.954 (P<0.001 for a confidence interval (CI) of 95%=[0.932; 0.969]). Cultural equivalence was performed without the need for a second instrument application step. CONCLUSION: After cross-cultural adaptation, the language of the resultant questionnaire was deemed easily understandable by the Brazilian population.

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) tem sido um grande problema de saúde pública, portanto é crucial que fatores de risco modificáveis possam ser conhecidos antes da instalação da demência na fase final da vida. O "Australian National University - Índice de Risco da Doença de Alzheimer" (ANU-ADRI) é uma das ferramentas potenciais para a prevenção primária da doença. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo elaborar uma versão adaptada do ANU-ADRI para o uso no Brasil. MÉTODOS: O instrumento foi traduzido do idioma original, inglês para a língua portuguesa e retrotraduzido para o inglês por tradutores bilíngues. Foi posteriormente revisado e avaliado quanto ao grau de dificuldade da tradução e equivalência. Neste estudo, o ANU-ADRI foi aplicado em entrevistas individuais (face a face) num hospital público em vez da versão original que é aplicada on-line por meio de autorrelato. A versão final (pré-teste) foi avaliada numa amostra de 10 participantes com média de idade 60 anos (±11,46), e média de escolaridade 11 anos (±6,32). RESULTADOS: O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse entre os avaliadores foi 0,954 (P<0,001, intervalo de confiança de 95% IC=[0,932; 0,969]). A equivalência cultural foi realizada sem a necessidade de uma segunda etapa de aplicação do instrumento. CONCLUSÃO: Após a adaptação transcultural, a linguagem do questionário é descrita como de fácil compreensão pela população brasileira.

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The increase in life expectancy in the Brazilian population raises questions about the preparation of the public health system in identifying elderly patients with signs of cognitive impairment. Currently, as a consequence of the long duration of preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease, efforts of early detection have been emphasized. Clinical dementia presents an important impact on the individual's caregivers, family, society and economy. Identifying individuals who already have some cognitive impairment, despite remaining functional, as well as analyzing associated comorbidities, constitutes an opportunity to analyze possibilities for future interventions. Dementias are clinical conditions that impose a burden on the health system with its high costs, whereas the identification of individuals with cognitive impairment without dementia can aid patients and their families to plan the future and mitigate costs. This narrative revision can provide general practitioners with more information on the subject.

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Summary The increase in life expectancy in the Brazilian population raises questions about the preparation of the public health system in identifying elderly patients with signs of cognitive impairment. Currently, as a consequence of the long duration of preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease, efforts of early detection have been emphasized. Clinical dementia presents an important impact on the individual's caregivers, family, society and economy. Identifying individuals who already have some cognitive impairment, despite remaining functional, as well as analyzing associated comorbidities, constitutes an opportunity to analyze possibilities for future interventions. Dementias are clinical conditions that impose a burden on the health system with its high costs, whereas the identification of individuals with cognitive impairment without dementia can aid patients and their families to plan the future and mitigate costs. This narrative revision can provide general practitioners with more information on the subject.

Resumo O aumento da expectativa de vida da população brasileira faz surgir questões sobre o preparo do sistema de saúde pública na identificação de pacientes idosos com sinais de alteração cognitiva. Atualmente, como consequência da longa duração da fase pré-clínica da doença de Alzheimer (DA), existe maior ênfase sobre a detecção precoce. A demência apresenta um importante impacto sobre a família, os cuidadores, a sociedade e a economia. Identificar indivíduos que já apresentam algum comprometimento cognitivo, embora eles mantenham a funcionalidade, bem como analisar as comorbidades associadas constituem oportunidades para direcionar futuras intervenções. Demências são doenças que impõem sobrecarga ao sistema público de saúde, com altos custos. A identificação de indivíduos com alteração cognitiva sem demência pode adicionar planejamentos futuros por parte do próprio doente, da sua família e dos cuidadores, resultando em menor sobrecarga física e emocional para todos os envolvidos. Esta revisão narrativa tem como objetivo ajudar os clínicos gerais a atuar na detecção dos idosos que se encontram em risco de desenvolver demência.

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OBJECTIVE:: Among all countries, Brazil is expected to have the sixth largest elderly population in 2025. Dementia syndromes are prominent among aging-related diseases. Despite the necessity of and curriculum for training in geriatric medicine to make recommendations on an approach to this theme, adequate training appears to be infrequent. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about dementia and students' attitude towards it during the last semester of the medical course in two of the most important Brazilian medical schools. METHOD:: In our study, a sample of 189 students was invited to complete questionnaires comprising demographic and professional topics, knowledge with respect to cognitive alterations in the elderly and attitudes in dealing with an elderly patient with dementia. RESULTS:: A total of 155 students accepted to participate in the study; 92(59.7%) considered that they had good training in cognitive alterations during their undergraduate medical course, while 67 (58.8%) of them declared having had only theoretical training. Regarding knowledge, the students obtained a mean of 6.9, out of a scale from 0 to 14 points. As for attitudes, the students agreed that they can contribute to the life quality of the patient and of the caregiver, and that it is useful to provide the diagnosis to the family. CONCLUSION:: The findings of this study are relevant for overturn the educational barriers of physicians in relation to the care of patients with dementia.

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND The presence of psychiatric symptoms, anger, and personality characteristics are factors that affect the quality of life of newly diagnosed digestive system cancer patients. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify which stable characteristics of the individual’s personality interfere with quality of life, even when reactive emotional characteristics of falling ill are controlled. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed at the Oncology Clinic ( Hospital das Clínicas ), Marília/SP, Brazil, in which 50 adult patients with digestive system cancer and diagnosed less than 6 months answered the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Temperament and Character Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression was performed to verify if quality of life was related to stable characteristics of the subject’s personality (anger trait, temperament and character) after controlling to the transient emotional aspects (anger state, psychiatric symptoms). RESULTS The quality of life psychological health score was higher in presence of self-directedness character and reward dependence temperament and quality of life environment score was higher in presence of self-directedness character and lower in presence of harm avoidance temperament. CONCLUSION The psychological well-being and the adaptive needs to the environment that favoring a better quality of life were reinforced mainly by the self-directedness character; which means that patients more autonomous cope better with the disease. On the other hand, the harm avoidance temperament (meaning the patient has fear of aversive situations) impaired the adaptive capacity to deal with the changes of the day-to-day imposed by the disease. Understanding these personality traits is important to the health professionals drive the patient to more successful treatment.

RESUMO CONTEXTO A presença de sintomas psiquiátricos, raiva, e características de personalidade são fatores que interferem na qualidade de vida do paciente com câncer do sistema digestório recém-diagnosticado. OBJETIVO Este estudo objetiva identificar que características estáveis da personalidade interferem na qualidade de vida, mesmo quando controladas as características emocionais reativas ao adoecer. MÉTODOS Um estudo transversal foi realizado na Clínica de Oncologia (Hospital das Clínicas), Marília/SP Brasil, no qual foram avaliados 50 pacientes adultos com câncer digestivo diagnosticados há menos de 6 meses que responderam ao Inventário de Expressão de Raiva Traço-Estado, Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter, Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão e WHOQOL-BREF. Regressão múltipla foi aplicada para verificar se a qualidade de vida estava relacionada com as características estáveis de personalidade (traço de raiva, temperamento, caráter) após controlar os resultados para a presença de aspectos emocionais transitórios (estado de raiva, sintomas psiquiátricos). RESULTADOS O escore de saúde psicológica da qualidade de vida foi maior na presença de caráter de autodirecionamento e do temperamento de dependência de gratificação; o escore de meio-ambiente da qualidade de vida foi maior na presença de caráter de autodirecionamento, e menor na presença de temperamento de evitação ao dano. CONCLUSÃO O bem-estar psicológico e as necessidades adaptativas ao meio-ambiente que favorecem uma melhor qualidade de vida foram reforçados principalmente pelo caráter de autodirecionamento. Por outro lado, o temperamento de evitação ao dano prejudica a capacidade adaptativa de lidar com as mudanças diárias, impostas pela doença. Compreender estes traços de personalidade é importante para que os profissionais de saúde conduzam o paciente por um tratamento de maior sucesso.

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ABSTRACT. Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a major public health problem and it is therefore crucial that modifiable risk factors be known prior to onset of dementia in late-life. The "Australian National University - Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index" (ANU-ADRI) is one of the potential tools for primary prevention of the disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to devise an adapted version of the ANU-ADRI for use in Brazil. Methods: The instrument was translated from its original language of English into Portuguese and then back-translated into English by bilingual translators. It was subsequently reviewed and evaluated as to the degree of translation issues and equivalence. In this study, the ANU-ADRI was applied using individual (face-to-face) interviews in a public hospital, unlike the original version which is applied online by self-report. The final version (pretest) was evaluated in a sample of 10 participants with a mean age of 60 years (±11.46) and mean education of 11 years (±6.32). Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (inter-rater) was 0.954 (P<0.001 for a confidence interval (CI) of 95%=[0.932; 0.969]). Cultural equivalence was performed without the need for a second instrument application step. Conclusion: After cross-cultural adaptation, the language of the resultant questionnaire was deemed easily understandable by the Brazilian population.

RESUMO. A doença de Alzheimer (DA) tem sido um grande problema de saúde pública, portanto é crucial que fatores de risco modificáveis possam ser conhecidos antes da instalação da demência na fase final da vida. O "Australian National University - Índice de Risco da Doença de Alzheimer" (ANU-ADRI) é uma das ferramentas potenciais para a prevenção primária da doença. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo elaborar uma versão adaptada do ANU-ADRI para o uso no Brasil. Métodos: O instrumento foi traduzido do idioma original, inglês para a língua portuguesa e retrotraduzido para o inglês por tradutores bilíngues. Foi posteriormente revisado e avaliado quanto ao grau de dificuldade da tradução e equivalência. Neste estudo, o ANU-ADRI foi aplicado em entrevistas individuais (face a face) num hospital público em vez da versão original que é aplicada on-line por meio de autorrelato. A versão final (pré-teste) foi avaliada numa amostra de 10 participantes com média de idade 60 anos (±11,46), e média de escolaridade 11 anos (±6,32). Resultados: O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse entre os avaliadores foi 0,954 (P<0,001, intervalo de confiança de 95% IC=[0,932; 0,969]). A equivalência cultural foi realizada sem a necessidade de uma segunda etapa de aplicação do instrumento. Conclusão: Após a adaptação transcultural, a linguagem do questionário é descrita como de fácil compreensão pela população brasileira.

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Summary Objective: Among all countries, Brazil is expected to have the sixth largest elderly population in 2025. Dementia syndromes are prominent among aging-related diseases. Despite the necessity of and curriculum for training in geriatric medicine to make recommendations on an approach to this theme, adequate training appears to be infrequent. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about dementia and students' attitude towards it during the last semester of the medical course in two of the most important Brazilian medical schools. Method: In our study, a sample of 189 students was invited to complete questionnaires comprising demographic and professional topics, knowledge with respect to cognitive alterations in the elderly and attitudes in dealing with an elderly patient with dementia. Results: A total of 155 students accepted to participate in the study; 92(59.7%) considered that they had good training in cognitive alterations during their undergraduate medical course, while 67 (58.8%) of them declared having had only theoretical training. Regarding knowledge, the students obtained a mean of 6.9, out of a scale from 0 to 14 points. As for attitudes, the students agreed that they can contribute to the life quality of the patient and of the caregiver, and that it is useful to provide the diagnosis to the family. Conclusion: The findings of this study are relevant for overturn the educational barriers of physicians in relation to the care of patients with dementia.

Resumo Objetivo: Em 2025, o Brasil terá a sexta maior população de idosos do mundo. Destacam-se, dentre as doenças relacionadas com o envelhecimento, as síndromes demenciais. Apesar da necessidade de o currículo para a formação médica conter tópicos em geriatria, isso parece ocorrer com pouca frequência. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar conhecimento e atitudes em relação à demência de alunos do último semestre do curso médico em duas das mais importantes escolas médicas brasileiras. Método: Neste estudo, 189 alunos foram convidados a responder questionários que compreendem temas demográficos e profissionais, conhecimento sobre alterações cognitivas em idosos e atitudes frente a um paciente idoso com demência. Resultados: Um total de 155 estudantes aceitou participar do estudo; 92 (59,7%) relataram ter obtido uma boa formação em alterações cognitivas durante o curso de graduação em medicina, e, entre estes, 67 (58,8%) relataram ter tido apenas uma base teórica. Quanto ao conhecimento, os alunos obtiveram uma média de 6,9, considerando uma escala de pontuação de 0 a 14 pontos. Considerando as atitudes, os estudantes concordaram que eles podem contribuir para a qualidade de vida do paciente e de cuidadores, e que é útil dar o diagnóstico para a família. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo são relevantes para discutir as barreiras educacionais dos médicos em relação ao tratamento de pacientes com demência.

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BACKGROUND: The presence of psychiatric symptoms, anger, and personality characteristics are factors that affect the quality of life of newly diagnosed digestive system cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify which stable characteristics of the individual's personality interfere with quality of life, even when reactive emotional characteristics of falling ill are controlled. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed at the Oncology Clinic ( Hospital das Clínicas ), Marília/SP, Brazil, in which 50 adult patients with digestive system cancer and diagnosed less than 6 months answered the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Temperament and Character Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression was performed to verify if quality of life was related to stable characteristics of the subject's personality (anger trait, temperament and character) after controlling to the transient emotional aspects (anger state, psychiatric symptoms). RESULTS: The quality of life psychological health score was higher in presence of self-directedness character and reward dependence temperament and quality of life environment score was higher in presence of self-directedness character and lower in presence of harm avoidance temperament. CONCLUSION: The psychological well-being and the adaptive needs to the environment that favoring a better quality of life were reinforced mainly by the self-directedness character; which means that patients more autonomous cope better with the disease. On the other hand, the harm avoidance temperament (meaning the patient has fear of aversive situations) impaired the adaptive capacity to deal with the changes of the day-to-day imposed by the disease. Understanding these personality traits is important to the health professionals drive the patient to more successful treatment.

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ABSTRACT. An estimated 61% of the 24.3 million people diagnosed with dementia worldwide live in underdeveloped countries, including Brazil, where a public healthcare system covers the majority of the population. This care is usually provided by General Practitioners (GP) and in Brazil many doctors recently graduated from medical school and residents of different medical specialties practice as GPs. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes about dementia in a sample of Brazilian medical residents from a university-hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A total of 152 Brazilian medical residents participated in the study. Participants answered a "Knowledge Quiz" (KQ) and "Attitude Quiz" (AQ) about dementia issues, transculturally adapted for use in Brazilian physicians. A descriptive analysis of the correct answers on knowledge and of the attitude aspects was performed. Results: The medical residents showed poor knowledge (<50%) about dementia prevalence and incidence and a good knowledge on disease management and diagnosis. Participants tended to be optimistic about caring for demented patients. Conclusion: In this study, it is likely that the physicians' good knowledge about dementia issues is the reason for their optimism dealing with demented patients.

RESUMO. Estima-se que 61% dos 24,3 milhões de pessoas diagnosticadas com demência no mundo vivem em países subdesenvolvidos, incluindo o Brasil, onde o sistema público de saúde (SUS) abrange a maioria da população. Os atendimentos médicos no SUS são realizados, habitualmente, por médicos generalistas. No Brasil, muitos médicos, logo após a graduação e residentes de diferentes especialidades médicas trabalham como médicos generalistas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o conhecimento e as atitudes sobre demência em uma amostra de médicos residentes brasileiros de um hospital universitário em São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: 152 médicos residentes participaram do estudo respondendo a um instrumento sobre conhecimentos e atitudes sobre demências que havia sido adaptado transculturalmente para ser usado no Brasil. Uma análise descritiva das respostas corretas sobre conhecimentos e atitudes foi realizada. Resultados: Os médicos residentes mostraram pouco conhecimento (<50%) sobre a prevalência e incidência de demência e maior conhecimento em gerenciamento e diagnóstico. Os profissionais tenderam a ser otimistas sobre como cuidar de pacientes com demência. Conclusão: Neste estudo, provavelmente, o bom conhecimento sobre algumas questões de demência é a razão para esses médicos sentirem-se mais otimistas com o cuidado aos pacientes com demência.

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An estimated 61% of the 24.3 million people diagnosed with dementia worldwide live in underdeveloped countries, including Brazil, where a public healthcare system covers the majority of the population. This care is usually provided by General Practitioners (GP) and in Brazil many doctors recently graduated from medical school and residents of different medical specialties practice as GPs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes about dementia in a sample of Brazilian medical residents from a university-hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 152 Brazilian medical residents participated in the study. Participants answered a "Knowledge Quiz" (KQ) and "Attitude Quiz" (AQ) about dementia issues, transculturally adapted for use in Brazilian physicians. A descriptive analysis of the correct answers on knowledge and of the attitude aspects was performed. RESULTS: The medical residents showed poor knowledge (<50%) about dementia prevalence and incidence and a good knowledge on disease management and diagnosis. Participants tended to be optimistic about caring for demented patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, it is likely that the physicians' good knowledge about dementia issues is the reason for their optimism dealing with demented patients.

Estima-se que 61% dos 24,3 milhões de pessoas diagnosticadas com demência no mundo vivem em países subdesenvolvidos, incluindo o Brasil, onde o sistema público de saúde (SUS) abrange a maioria da população. Os atendimentos médicos no SUS são realizados, habitualmente, por médicos generalistas. No Brasil, muitos médicos, logo após a graduação e residentes de diferentes especialidades médicas trabalham como médicos generalistas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o conhecimento e as atitudes sobre demência em uma amostra de médicos residentes brasileiros de um hospital universitário em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: 152 médicos residentes participaram do estudo respondendo a um instrumento sobre conhecimentos e atitudes sobre demências que havia sido adaptado transculturalmente para ser usado no Brasil. Uma análise descritiva das respostas corretas sobre conhecimentos e atitudes foi realizada. RESULTADOS: Os médicos residentes mostraram pouco conhecimento (<50%) sobre a prevalência e incidência de demência e maior conhecimento em gerenciamento e diagnóstico. Os profissionais tenderam a ser otimistas sobre como cuidar de pacientes com demência. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, provavelmente, o bom conhecimento sobre algumas questões de demência é a razão para esses médicos sentirem-se mais otimistas com o cuidado aos pacientes com demência.

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CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be worsened in sickle cell patients due to the presence of psychiatric disorders. The aims of this study were to describe the psychiatric symptoms in Brazilian sickle cell patients and to evaluate the relationship of these symptoms to the genotype of the disease and the subject's HRQoL. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at the hematology outpatient clinic, Hospital São Paulo. METHODS: Adult patients with sickle cell disease completed the Medical Outcome Study - Short Form 36 and the Patients' Health Questionnaire. Clinical data were gathered from their medical files. Linear regression models were developed to study the dependency of HRQoL domains on the genotype controlling for psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: In the study period, 110 patients were evaluated. The most frequent psychiatric symptom was depression (30%), followed by anxiety (12.7%) and alcohol abuse (9.1%). Patients with the more severe genotype (SS and Sßthal0) showed lower scores for the "general health" and "role-physical" HRQoL domains, without interference from psychiatric symptoms. In the "role-physical" domain, the more severe genotype operated as a protective factor for HRQoL (ß = 0.255; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The more severe genotypes worsened HRQoL in two domains of physical health (general health and role-physical), but they did not have any influence on mental health, thus suggesting that physicians should be more attentive to aspects of HRQoL relating to the functionality of sickle cell disease patients, so as to be aware of the limitations that these patient live with.

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CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be worsened in sickle cell patients due to the presence of psychiatric disorders. The aims of this study were to describe the psychiatric symptoms in Brazilian sickle cell patients and to evaluate the relationship of these symptoms to the genotype of the disease and the subject's HRQoL. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at the hematology outpatient clinic, Hospital São Paulo. METHODS: Adult patients with sickle cell disease completed the Medical Outcome Study - Short Form 36 and the Patients' Health Questionnaire. Clinical data were gathered from their medical files. Linear regression models were developed to study the dependency of HRQoL domains on the genotype controlling for psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: In the study period, 110 patients were evaluated. The most frequent psychiatric symptom was depression (30%), followed by anxiety (12.7%) and alcohol abuse (9.1%). Patients with the more severe genotype (SS and Sβthal0) showed lower scores for the "general health" and "role-physical" HRQoL domains, without interference from psychiatric symptoms. In the "role-physical" domain, the more severe genotype operated as a protective factor for HRQoL (β = 0.255; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The more severe genotypes worsened HRQoL in two domains of physical health (general health and role-physical), but they did not have any influence on mental health, thus suggesting that physicians should be more attentive to aspects of HRQoL relating to the functionality of sickle cell disease patients, so as to be aware of the limitations that these patient live with.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) pode ser piorada em pacientes com doença falciforme na presença de transtornos psiquiátricos. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a sintomatologia psiquiátrica presente no paciente brasileiro com doença falciforme e avaliar a relação desses sintomas com o genótipo da doença e a QVRS do sujeito. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo com delineamento transversal, realizado no ambulatório de Hematologia do Hospital São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Adultos com doença falciforme responderam ao Questionário de Qualidade de Vida (SF-36) e ao Questionário sobre a Saúde do Paciente (PHQ). Dados clínicos foram obtidos no prontuário médico. Modelos de regressão linear foram desenvolvidos para estudar a dependência dos domínios de QVRS no genótipo com controle para sintomas psiquiátricos. RESULTADOS: No período do estudo, 110 pacientes foram avaliados. O sintoma psiquiátrico mais frequente foi o depressivo (30%), seguido do ansioso (12,7%) e de abuso de álcool (9,1%). Os pacientes com genótipo mais grave (SS e S βthal0) apresentaram menores médias nos domínios de QVRS de "saúde geral" e de "aspectos físicos", sem interferência dos sintomas psiquiátricos. No domínio "aspectos físicos", o genótipo mais grave funcionou como fator protetor da QVRS (β = 0,255; P = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: Os genótipos mais graves pioraram a QVRS em dois domínios do componente físico ("aspectos físicos" e "saúde geral"), mas não influenciaram o componente mental, sugerindo que o médico deve estar atento aos aspectos da QVRS relacionados com a funcionalidade do portador da doença falciforme, conhecendo as limitações com as quais o paciente convive.

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