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OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate handgrip strength and dynapenia prevalence among older adults stratified by Brazilian macroregions. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the overlap between dynapenia and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) disability, depression, and executive dysfunction on a national basis and by each Brazilian macroregion. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis was based on data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). A multistage cluster sample design was used, with a representative population-based study of non-institutionalized community-dwelling Brazilians aged ≥ 50 years from 70 municipalities across all five macroregions of the country. The outcome variable was dynapenia. Covariables were IADL disability, depression, and executive dysfunction. The Brazilian macroregions were used for stratification. In addition, the following additional variables were included: age group, gender, education level, macroregions (North, Northeast, Southeast, South, and Midwest), self-reported health, multimorbidity, and falls. RESULTS: A total of 8,849 (94%) of the sample provided complete information for the handgrip strength assessment and were included in this analysis. Dynapenia prevalence was higher in North and Northeast regions (28.5% and 35.1%, respectively). We identified statistically significant differences between different macroregions for dynapenia, IADL disability, and verbal fluency, with worse values in the North and Northeast regions. In the North and Northeast macroregions, nearly half of the subjects that presented executive dysfunction and IADL disability also had dynapenia. There was a more significant overlap in the prevalence of all four conditions in the North and Northeast regions (4.8% and 5.5%, respectively), whereas the overlap was smaller in the South (2.3%). There was also a smaller overlap in the prevalence of dynapenia and depression in the South (5.8%) compared with other macroregions. CONCLUSIONS: Macroregions in Brazil exhibit marked differences in the prevalence of dynapenia and in its overlap with IADL disability, depression, and executive dysfunction.

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Investigation of the association between physical frailty and cognitive performance through spatial navigation is important to enable the identification of individuals with cognitive impairment and physical comorbidity. Objective: To analyze the association between spatial navigation and frailty in frail and pre-frail institutionalized older adults. Methods: Forty older people of both sexes, aged 60 years or over, residing in four Brazilian Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) participated in this study. The following tests were applied: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 2.44m Timed Up and Go, Floor Maze Test (FMT), and Fried's frailty criteria. For data analysis, the Mann-Whitney and independent t-tests were used to compare the groups (frail x pre-frail), principal component analysis was used to explore the main variables related to the data variance, and binary logistic regression to estimate associations. Results: There was a significant difference in performance in the FMT immediate maze time (IMT) (p=0.02) and in the delayed maze time (DMT) (p=0.009) between the pre-frail and frail older adults. An association between FMT DMT performance and frailty was found, showing that older people with shorter times on the DMT (better performance) had approximately four times the chance of not being frail (odds ratio - OR=4.219, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.084-16.426, p=0.038). Conclusion: Frailty is associated with impaired spatial navigation ability in institutionalized older adults, regardless of gait speed performance.

A investigação da associação entre fragilidade física e desempenho cognitivo por meio da navegação espacial é importante para possibilitar a identificação de indivíduos com déficit cognitivo e comorbidade física. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre navegação espacial e fragilidade em idosos institucionalizados frágeis e pré-frágeis. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 40 idosos de ambos os sexos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, residentes em quatro instituições de longa permanência (ILPI) brasileiras. Foram aplicados os seguintes testes: Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), 2,44m Timed Up and Go, Floor Maze Test (FMT) e os critérios de fragilidade de Fried. Para a análise dos dados, foram utilizados os testes t independente e de Mann-Whitney para comparar os grupos (frágeis x pré-frágeis), foi feita análise de componentes principais para explorar as principais variáveis relacionadas à variância dos dados e regressão logística binária para estimar associações. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa no desempenho do FMT no tempo imediato do labirinto (TIL) (p=0,02) e no tempo posterior do labirinto (TPL) (p=0,009) entre os idosos pré-frágeis e frágeis. Encontrou-se associação entre o desempenho no FMT TPL e fragilidade, mostrando que idosos com menor tempo de TPL (melhor desempenho) tiveram aproximadamente quatro vezes mais chance de não serem frágeis (odds ratio ­ OR=4,219, intervalo de confiança de 95% ­ IC95% 1,084­16,426, p=0,038). Conclusão: A fragilidade está associada à habilidade de navegação espacial prejudicada em idosos institucionalizados, independentemente do desempenho da velocidade da marcha.

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations among race/color, gender, and intrinsic capacity (IC) (total and by domains) in middle-aged and older adults from a Brazilian cohort. As a secondary objective, we investigate these associations across Brazilian regions. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with baseline data from the 2015-2016 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). IC was investigated via cognitive (verbal fluency), physical (gait velocity/handgrip), and psychosocial (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression) domains. Moreover, IC sensory domain was evaluated via self-reported sensory disease diagnoses (vision and/or hearing impairment) and race/color was identified via self-reported criteria. RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 9,070 participants (aged ≥ 50 years). Black and Brown participants were 80% and 41% more likely to show a worse IC cognitive domain than white controls, respectively (OR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.42-2.28, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.21-1.65, p < 0.001). Moreover, Black and Brown women had almost a threefold greater chance of showing a worse IC than white men (OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.89-4.47, p < 0.001 and OR = 2.51, 95%CI: 2.09 - 3.02, p < 0.001) and a 62% (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.57) and 32% (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.10-1.57) greater risk of falling below our IC score cutoff point than white women. We found the greatest differences in the Brazilian South, whereas its North showed the lowest associations among race/color, gender, and IC. CONCLUSION: IC racial and gender disparities reinforce the need for public health policies to guarantee equality during aging. Promoting greater access to good health care requires understanding how racism and sexism can contribute to health inequities and their consequences in different Brazilian regions.

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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate associations among race/color, gender, and intrinsic capacity (IC) (total and by domains) in middle-aged and older adults from a Brazilian cohort. As a secondary objective, we investigate these associations across Brazilian regions. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted with baseline data from the 2015-2016 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). IC was investigated via cognitive (verbal fluency), physical (gait velocity/handgrip), and psychosocial (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression) domains. Moreover, IC sensory domain was evaluated via self-reported sensory disease diagnoses (vision and/or hearing impairment) and race/color was identified via self-reported criteria. RESULTS We evaluated a total of 9,070 participants (aged ≥ 50 years). Black and Brown participants were 80% and 41% more likely to show a worse IC cognitive domain than white controls, respectively (OR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.42-2.28, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.21-1.65, p < 0.001). Moreover, Black and Brown women had almost a threefold greater chance of showing a worse IC than white men (OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.89-4.47, p < 0.001 and OR = 2.51, 95%CI: 2.09 - 3.02, p < 0.001) and a 62% (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.57) and 32% (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.10-1.57) greater risk of falling below our IC score cutoff point than white women. We found the greatest differences in the Brazilian South, whereas its North showed the lowest associations among race/color, gender, and IC. CONCLUSION IC racial and gender disparities reinforce the need for public health policies to guarantee equality during aging. Promoting greater access to good health care requires understanding how racism and sexism can contribute to health inequities and their consequences in different Brazilian regions.

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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate handgrip strength and dynapenia prevalence among older adults stratified by Brazilian macroregions. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the overlap between dynapenia and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) disability, depression, and executive dysfunction on a national basis and by each Brazilian macroregion. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis was based on data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). A multistage cluster sample design was used, with a representative population-based study of non-institutionalized community-dwelling Brazilians aged ≥ 50 years from 70 municipalities across all five macroregions of the country. The outcome variable was dynapenia. Covariables were IADL disability, depression, and executive dysfunction. The Brazilian macroregions were used for stratification. In addition, the following additional variables were included: age group, gender, education level, macroregions (North, Northeast, Southeast, South, and Midwest), self-reported health, multimorbidity, and falls. RESULTS A total of 8,849 (94%) of the sample provided complete information for the handgrip strength assessment and were included in this analysis. Dynapenia prevalence was higher in North and Northeast regions (28.5% and 35.1%, respectively). We identified statistically significant differences between different macroregions for dynapenia, IADL disability, and verbal fluency, with worse values in the North and Northeast regions. In the North and Northeast macroregions, nearly half of the subjects that presented executive dysfunction and IADL disability also had dynapenia. There was a more significant overlap in the prevalence of all four conditions in the North and Northeast regions (4.8% and 5.5%, respectively), whereas the overlap was smaller in the South (2.3%). There was also a smaller overlap in the prevalence of dynapenia and depression in the South (5.8%) compared with other macroregions. CONCLUSIONS Macroregions in Brazil exhibit marked differences in the prevalence of dynapenia and in its overlap with IADL disability, depression, and executive dysfunction.

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ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess sedentary behavior and physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy individuals and in those with self-reported diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression, and also identify facilitators and barriers to physical activity in these populations. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey based on a self-report questionnaire applied during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Results: In the total sample (N = 1,285) the prevalence of sedentary behavior (>8 hours/day) increased by 25% during social isolation. Social isolation increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity levels in healthy individuals and in those with self-reported diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. In both groups, the most prevalent facilitators were supervised physical activity (before the pandemic) and activities and equipment to practice at home (during the pandemic). The most prevalent barriers were the lack of time to perform physical activities (before the pandemic) and inaccessible or distance places to practice (during the pandemic). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is related to an increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity levels. Significant changes in perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise were observed during the social isolation period.

RESUMO Objetivos: Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar o comportamento sedentário e os níveis de atividade física antes e durante da pandemia de COVID-19 em indivíduos saudáveis e com diagnóstico autorreportado de ansiedade e/ou depressão e identificar os facilitadores e barreiras para a prática de atividade física nessas populações. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de corte transversal baseada em um questionário de autorrelato aplicado durante o período de pandemia da COVID-19. Resultados: Na amostra total (N = 1.285), a prevalência de comportamento sedentário (>8 horas/dia) aumentou em 25% durante o isolamento social. O isolamento social aumentou o tempo sedentário e diminuiu os níveis de atividade física em indivíduos saudáveis, com ansiedade e/ou depressão autorreportada. Nos dois grupos, os facilitadores mais prevalentes foram a atividade física supervisionada (antes da pandemia) e as atividades e equipamentos para a prática em casa (durante a pandemia). As barreiras mais prevalentes foram a falta de tempo para realizar atividades físicas (antes da pandemia) e os locais inacessíveis ou distantes para a prática (durante a pandemia). Conclusão: A pandemia de COVID-19 está relacionada a aumento do comportamento sedentário e redução dos níveis de atividade física. Mudanças significativas nas barreiras percebidas e facilitadores ao exercício foram observadas durante o período de isolamento social.

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ABSTRACT. Investigation of the association between physical frailty and cognitive performance through spatial navigation is important to enable the identification of individuals with cognitive impairment and physical comorbidity. Objective: To analyze the association between spatial navigation and frailty in frail and pre-frail institutionalized older adults. Methods: Forty older people of both sexes, aged 60 years or over, residing in four Brazilian Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) participated in this study. The following tests were applied: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 2.44m Timed Up and Go, Floor Maze Test (FMT), and Fried's frailty criteria. For data analysis, the Mann-Whitney and independent t-tests were used to compare the groups (frail x pre-frail), principal component analysis was used to explore the main variables related to the data variance, and binary logistic regression to estimate associations. Results: There was a significant difference in performance in the FMT immediate maze time (IMT) (p=0.02) and in the delayed maze time (DMT) (p=0.009) between the pre-frail and frail older adults. An association between FMT DMT performance and frailty was found, showing that older people with shorter times on the DMT (better performance) had approximately four times the chance of not being frail (odds ratio - OR=4.219, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.084-16.426, p=0.038). Conclusion: Frailty is associated with impaired spatial navigation ability in institutionalized older adults, regardless of gait speed performance.

RESUMO. A investigação da associação entre fragilidade física e desempenho cognitivo por meio da navegação espacial é importante para possibilitar a identificação de indivíduos com déficit cognitivo e comorbidade física. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre navegação espacial e fragilidade em idosos institucionalizados frágeis e pré-frágeis. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 40 idosos de ambos os sexos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, residentes em quatro instituições de longa permanência (ILPI) brasileiras. Foram aplicados os seguintes testes: Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), 2,44m Timed Up and Go, Floor Maze Test (FMT) e os critérios de fragilidade de Fried. Para a análise dos dados, foram utilizados os testes t independente e de Mann-Whitney para comparar os grupos (frágeis x pré-frágeis), foi feita análise de componentes principais para explorar as principais variáveis relacionadas à variância dos dados e regressão logística binária para estimar associações. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa no desempenho do FMT no tempo imediato do labirinto (TIL) (p=0,02) e no tempo posterior do labirinto (TPL) (p=0,009) entre os idosos pré-frágeis e frágeis. Encontrou-se associação entre o desempenho no FMT TPL e fragilidade, mostrando que idosos com menor tempo de TPL (melhor desempenho) tiveram aproximadamente quatro vezes mais chance de não serem frágeis (odds ratio - OR=4,219, intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,084-16,426, p=0,038). Conclusão: A fragilidade está associada à habilidade de navegação espacial prejudicada em idosos institucionalizados, independentemente do desempenho da velocidade da marcha.

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BACKGROUND: Exercise appears to be a viable intervention for maintaining cognitive function and regaining functional autonomy, and perhaps even contributing to a slower progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: To explore different neuroplasticity pathways modulated by aerobic and strength training, determine whether signaling pathways overlapped for each specific training method (aerobic and strength training), and evaluate whether there is a functional relationship between APOE and APP gene expression with aerobic training modulated by BDNF; and strength training modulated by IGF-1. METHODS: An in silico analysis was performed to analyze the connection between exercise types and neuroplasticity as a protective factor in AD. The platform provides a protein-protein interaction network translated into known and predicted interactions. A score > 0.70 was determined as high confidence and the network was considered significant when the Protein-Protein Interaction Enrichment was <0.01. RESULTS: Multiple functional associations considered significant between the analyzed proteins. The results of our gene network model support that exercise, both aerobic and strength, can modulate genes that affect hippocampal neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, which may delay cognitive decline and Alzheimer's related symptoms. CONCLUSION: The investigation about the functional association of aerobic training via BDNF in the modulation of APP, APOE, and MAPT genes in the hippocampus seems to be established, while strength training seems to induce the production of IGF-1 and IGF-1R, modulating AKT1.

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ABSTRACT. Social isolation is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic but can be harmful to mental health, especially in people with neurocognitive disorders. Although physical exercise can alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms and improve quality of life (QoL), sedentary behavior increased during the pandemic. Online interventions can contribute to improving physical activity and mental health. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the neuropsychiatric symptoms and QoL of older adults with neurocognitive disorders who participated in an online physical exercise program with sedentary patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 25 older patients with neurocognitive disorders (control group=11; online exercise group=14) were evaluated based on Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) scale. Results: There were differences between the two groups in the total NPI (U=36.50, p=0.025) and the nighttime behavior disturbances item (U=38.00, p=0.033), both with large effect sizes (ES=-1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]:-1.83 to -0.16 and ES=-1.06, 95%CI -1.86 to -0.19, respectively). In terms of QoL-AD, a difference was identified only in the memory subitem (U=20.00, p=0.005), with a large ES (1.59, 95%CI 0.59-2.48). Conclusions: Older adults with neurocognitive disorders who participated in an online physical exercise program, during the COVID-19 pandemic, showed fewer neuropsychiatric total symptoms, fewer nighttime disturbances episodes, and better subjective memory, compared to their physically inactive counterparts. Randomized controlled trials should be performed to better understand the effect of physical exercise in neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients during periods of social isolation.

RESUMO. O isolamento social é necessário na pandemia de COVID-19, mas pode impactar a saúde mental, especialmente em idosos com demência, dada a alta prevalência de sintomas neuropsiquiátricos. Apesar da prática de exercícios físicos contribuir para a redução desses sintomas e a melhora da qualidade de vida, houve um aumento de comportamento sedentário durante a pandemia. Objetivo: Comparar os sintomas neuropsiquiátricos e a qualidade de vida de idosos com distúrbios neurocognitivos que participaram de um programa de exercícios físicos online voltado a pacientes sedentários durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Neste estudo de corte transversal, 25 idosos diagnosticados com transtorno neurocognitivo (controle=11; exercícios online=14) foram avaliados por meio do inventário neuropsiquiátrico (INP) e da escala de qualidade de vida na doença de Alzheimer (QV-DA). Resultados: Observou-se diferença entre os grupos no INP total (U=36,50, p=0,025), com tamanho de efeito grande (effect size [ES]=-1,03, intervalo de confiança - IC95% -1,83 a -0,16), e no subdomínio sono (U=38,00, p=0,033), com tamanho de efeito grande (ES=-1,06, IC95% -1,86 a -0,19), favoráveis ao grupo fisicamente ativo. Na QV-DA, houve diferença entre os grupos apenas no subitem memória (U=20,00, p=0,005), com tamanho de efeito grande (ES=1,59, IC95% 0,59 a 2,48), não houve diferença na pontuação total (U=45,5, p=0,277). Conclusões: Idosos submetidos a rotina de exercícios físicos com supervisão online na pandemia de COVID-19 apresentam menos sintomas neuropsiquiátricos, melhor qualidade de sono e memória quando comparados aos fisicamente inativos. Estudos randomizados controlados devem ser feitos para a melhor compreensão dos efeitos do exercício físico nos sintomas neuropsiquiátricos de pacientes com demência durante períodos de isolamento social.

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ABSTRACT Objective To determine the level of association between depressive symptoms and cognitive abilities of institutionalized older adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 69 older adults, living in a long-term care facility. Investigation of depressive symptoms in all individuals was performed using the geriatric depression scale. Cognitive verbal fluency, digit span forward (DSF) and backward (DSB) tests, and two-minute stationary gait, sit-to-stand test, and six-minute walk test were performed to assess their association with depressive symptoms. Results Depressive symptoms were identified in 35 individuals. Worse cognition and physical performances were associated with the presence of depressive symptoms - Mini-Mental State Examination [t (61) = 2.36; p < 0.05] and Stationary gait test of two minutes [t (53) = 3.12; p < 0.05]. Short-term memory and working memory tests presented worse results in individuals with depressive symptoms (DSF: U = 402.00; p < 0.05 e DSB: U = 341,00; p < 0.05). Older adults with scores below normal in DSF were 5 times more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. Conclusion The importance of physical, cognitive and social intervention strategies in long-term care facilities for the older adults is highlighted, in order to privilege autonomy. Notably, there is an association between deficits in short-term memory and the presence of depressive symptoms in older adults. Therefore, prospective studies are suggested to investigate the cause-effect relationship of this association with the institutionalization of older adults.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar o nível de associação entre sintomas depressivos e habilidades cognitivas de idosos institucionalizados. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal que envolveu 69 idosos residentes em uma instituição de longa permanência. A investigação dos sintomas depressivos em todos os indivíduos foi realizada por meio da escala de depressão geriátrica. Os testes cognitivos de fluência verbal, digit span forward (DSF) e backward (DSB)e os testes físicos de marcha estacionária de dois minutos, de sentar e levantar e o teste de caminhada de seis minutos foram realizados para avaliar sua associação com sintomas depressivos. Resultados Sintomas depressivos foram identificados em 35 indivíduos. Baixos desempenhos cognitivo e físico foram associados à presença de sintomas depressivos - Miniexame do Estado Mental [t (61) = 2,36; p < 0,05] e Teste de marcha estacionária de dois minutos [t (53) = 3,12; p < 0,05]. A memória de curto prazo e os testes de memória operacional mostraram piores resultados em indivíduos com sintomas depressivos (DSF: U = 402,00; p < 0,05 e DSB: U = 341,00; p < 0,05). Idosos com escores abaixo do normal no DSF tiveram 5 vezes mais chance de apresentar sintomas depressivos. Conclusão Destaca-se a importância de estratégias de intervenção físicas, cognitivas e sociais em instituições de longa permanência para idosos, a fim de privilegiar a autonomia. Notavelmente, apresenta-se uma associação entre déficit na capacidade de memória de curto prazo e a presença de sintomas depressivos em adultos mais velhos. Sugerem-se, então, estudos prospectivos que investiguem a relação de causa-efeito dessa associação com a institucionalização de idosos.

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In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the spatial navigation performance of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and other dementias, using healthy older adults as controls. In addition, we evaluated the possible influence of the environment type (virtual and real), protocol (object- or environment-based), and the navigation mode (active and passive navigation) on spatial navigation task performance. In total, 1372 articles were identified and 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. We found a large effect size on the spatial navigation performance of patients with cognitive decline (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.87, confidence interval (CI95%) = 0.62-1.09, p < 0.001), especially amnestic MCI (SMD = 1.10, CI95% = 0.71-1.49, p < 0.001) and patients with AD (SMD = 1.60, CI95% = 1.25-1.95, p < 0.001). However, the tasks did not identify mixed and vascular dementia (SMD = 0.92, CI95% = -0.33-2.18, p = 0.15 and SMD = 0.65, CI95% = -0.67-1.97, p = 0.33, respectively). Spatial navigation ability assessed using the Floor Maze Test showed the largest effect size in differentiating healthy older adults and patients with cognitive decline (SMD = 1.98,CI95% = 1.00-2.97, p < 0.001). In addition, tasks that require walking showed the greatest differences between the two groups. These results suggest that spatial navigation impairment is important, but disease-specific behavioral biomarker of the dementia pathology process that can be identified even in the early stages.

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This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical ability and spatial navigation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls, using the floor maze test. Study participants (n = 58) were subjected to the following tests: floor maze test, sit-to-stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and aerobic steps. Factorial analyses showed that performance of the physical tests combined explained approximately 87% of the sample variability. Mobility (R2 = .22, p ≤ .001) and aerobic capacity (R2 = .27, p ≤ .001) were both associated with delayed maze time in the floor maze test. Low levels of aerobic capacity were also associated with an increased odds to perform poorly in the delayed maze time after controlling for age, sex, and mild cognitive impairment diagnosis (odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval [1.0, 9.5]; p = .04). Aerobic capacity and mobility are associated with spatial navigation in patients with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults.

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Social isolation is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic but can be harmful to mental health, especially in people with neurocognitive disorders. Although physical exercise can alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms and improve quality of life (QoL), sedentary behavior increased during the pandemic. Online interventions can contribute to improving physical activity and mental health. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the neuropsychiatric symptoms and QoL of older adults with neurocognitive disorders who participated in an online physical exercise program with sedentary patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 25 older patients with neurocognitive disorders (control group=11; online exercise group=14) were evaluated based on Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) scale. Results: There were differences between the two groups in the total NPI (U=36.50, p=0.025) and the nighttime behavior disturbances item (U=38.00, p=0.033), both with large effect sizes (ES=-1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]:-1.83 to -0.16 and ES=-1.06, 95%CI -1.86 to -0.19, respectively). In terms of QoL-AD, a difference was identified only in the memory subitem (U=20.00, p=0.005), with a large ES (1.59, 95%CI 0.59-2.48). Conclusions: Older adults with neurocognitive disorders who participated in an online physical exercise program, during the COVID-19 pandemic, showed fewer neuropsychiatric total symptoms, fewer nighttime disturbances episodes, and better subjective memory, compared to their physically inactive counterparts. Randomized controlled trials should be performed to better understand the effect of physical exercise in neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients during periods of social isolation.

O isolamento social é necessário na pandemia de COVID-19, mas pode impactar a saúde mental, especialmente em idosos com demência, dada a alta prevalência de sintomas neuropsiquiátricos. Apesar da prática de exercícios físicos contribuir para a redução desses sintomas e a melhora da qualidade de vida, houve um aumento de comportamento sedentário durante a pandemia. Objetivo: Comparar os sintomas neuropsiquiátricos e a qualidade de vida de idosos com distúrbios neurocognitivos que participaram de um programa de exercícios físicos online voltado a pacientes sedentários durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Neste estudo de corte transversal, 25 idosos diagnosticados com transtorno neurocognitivo (controle=11; exercícios online=14) foram avaliados por meio do inventário neuropsiquiátrico (INP) e da escala de qualidade de vida na doença de Alzheimer (QV-DA). Resultados: Observou-se diferença entre os grupos no INP total (U=36,50, p=0,025), com tamanho de efeito grande (effect size [ES]=-1,03, intervalo de confiança - IC95% -1,83 a -0,16), e no subdomínio sono (U=38,00, p=0,033), com tamanho de efeito grande (ES=-1,06, IC95% -1,86 a -0,19), favoráveis ao grupo fisicamente ativo. Na QV-DA, houve diferença entre os grupos apenas no subitem memória (U=20,00, p=0,005), com tamanho de efeito grande (ES=1,59, IC95% 0,59 a 2,48), não houve diferença na pontuação total (U=45,5, p=0,277). Conclusões: Idosos submetidos a rotina de exercícios físicos com supervisão online na pandemia de COVID-19 apresentam menos sintomas neuropsiquiátricos, melhor qualidade de sono e memória quando comparados aos fisicamente inativos. Estudos randomizados controlados devem ser feitos para a melhor compreensão dos efeitos do exercício físico nos sintomas neuropsiquiátricos de pacientes com demência durante períodos de isolamento social.

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The effect of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on affective responses is unclear due to the several variables of HIIE, which may be minimized by using derived variables (e.g. amplitude). The amplitude reflects the difference between stimulus and recovery intensities, being more representative of the physiological changes than central tendency variables such as average intensity. This study aimed to compare the affective responses in HIIE sessions in different amplitudes with a vigorous-intensity continuous exercise (VICE) session. Eleven participants completed five sessions. The peak oxygen consumption (VO2Peak) and peak power (Wpeak) were measured. Participants performed one VICE and three HIIE sessions (10x[1min-90%WPeak/1min-50%WPeak]; 10x[1min-100%WPeak/1min-40%WPeak]; and 10x[1min-110%WPeak/1min-40%WPeak]). The exercise sessions were performed at the same average intensity (70%WPeak) and duration (20 min). The Feeling Scale (FS) was applied in each minute throughout the exercise sessions. Regarding the FS responses, a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant interaction for FS (P=0.093) or main effect for condition (P=0.206) and time (P=0.078), indicating that irrespective of the amplitude of the HIIE, FS results were similar between conditions. The effect size (ES) analysis showed a small effect in favour of HIIE-90/50 (ES=0.30) and HIIE-100/40 (ES=0.26) and a null effect on HIIE-110/30 (ES=0.08) when compared to VICE. Chi-squared analysis showed no significant differences between conditions in the number of participants that reduced, maintained, or increased the FS from pre-exercise to last stimulus and recovery indicating a high variability of the affective responses. HIIE sessions provide similar affective responses when performed at the same average intensity, even with different amplitudes.Highlights HIIE amplitude reflects the difference between stimulus and recovery intensities and seems not to modulate the affective responses to HIIE sessions configured with different amplitudes.HIIE sessions performed at the same average intensity and different amplitudes result in similar affective responses.High inter-individual variability of affective responses occurs in HIIE sessions configured based on the amplitude.

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INTRODUCTION: Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) face more barriers to engagement in sports and exercise interventions. Evaluating clinical and demographic factors associated with adherence to sports and exercise among MDD outpatients could support development of new options and strategies to increase their participation. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 268 depressed outpatients were evaluated (83.51% females; mean age = 50.74 [standard deviation {SD} = 10.39]). Sports and exercise participation were assessed using a question about participation frequency during the previous month. Clinical and demographic factors were evaluated. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of participation in sports and exercise. RESULTS: MDD patients with mild symptoms of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.00, 5.88; p = 0.04) and patients with mild to moderate symptoms (OR = 3.96; 95%CI 1.41, 11.15; p = 0.009) were more likely to engage regularly in sports and exercise than patients with more severe depression. Moreover, smoking (OR = 0.23; 95%CI 0.67, 0.80; p = 0.007) and being divorced (OR = 0.22; 95%CI 0.57, 0.86; p = 0.03) were associated with lower rates of engagement in sports and exercise. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a significant association between clinical and demographic factors and participation in sports and exercise among MDD outpatients.

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Abstract Introduction Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) face more barriers to engagement in sports and exercise interventions. Evaluating clinical and demographic factors associated with adherence to sports and exercise among MDD outpatients could support development of new options and strategies to increase their participation. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 268 depressed outpatients were evaluated (83.51% females; mean age = 50.74 [standard deviation {SD} = 10.39]). Sports and exercise participation were assessed using a question about participation frequency during the previous month. Clinical and demographic factors were evaluated. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of participation in sports and exercise. Results MDD patients with mild symptoms of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.00, 5.88; p = 0.04) and patients with mild to moderate symptoms (OR = 3.96; 95%CI 1.41, 11.15; p = 0.009) were more likely to engage regularly in sports and exercise than patients with more severe depression. Moreover, smoking (OR = 0.23; 95%CI 0.67, 0.80; p = 0.007) and being divorced (OR = 0.22; 95%CI 0.57, 0.86; p = 0.03) were associated with lower rates of engagement in sports and exercise. Conclusion Our findings indicate a significant association between clinical and demographic factors and participation in sports and exercise among MDD outpatients.

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BACKGROUND: Spatial navigation and dual-task (DT) performance may represent a low-cost approach to the identification of the cognitive decline in older adults and may support the clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of different types of motor tasks in differentiating older persons with MCI and AD from healthy peers. METHODS: Older adults aged 60 years or over (n = 105; healthy = 39; MCI = 23; AD = 43) were evaluated by the floor maze test (FMT), the senior fitness test, and DT performance. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the accuracy of the tests. We also performed principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression analysis to explore the variance and possible associations of the variables within the sample. RESULTS: FMT (AUC = 0.84, sensitivity = 75.7%, specificity = 76.1%, p < 0.001) and DT (AUC = 0.87, sensitivity = 80.4%, specificity = 86.9%, p < 0.001) showed the highest performance for distinguishing MCI from AD individuals. Moreover, FMT presented better sensitivity in distinguishing AD patients from their healthy peers (AUC = 0.93, sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 85.6%, p < 0.001) when compared to the Mini-Mental State Examination. PCA revealed that the motor test performance explains a total of 73.9% of the variance of the sample. Additionally, the results of the motor tests were not influenced by age and education. CONCLUSION: Spatial navigation tests showed better accuracy than usual cognitive screening tests in distinguishing patients with neurocognitive disorders.

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BACKGROUND: Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) ability impairments are clearly related to cognitive and motor decline, as well as to the progression of Dementia. However, more low-cost assessments are necessary to better understand the process of IADL in patients with Dementia. OBJECTIVE: To compare cognitive, motor and cognitive-motor performance at different stages of dependence on IADL in patients with Dementia. METHODS: Dementia patients (n = 53, age range: 63-94) and healthy older adults (n = 39, age range: 62-97) were included, and those with Dementia were separated into IADL 1 (n = 18), IADL 2 (n = 17), IADL 3 (n = 18). All groups performed cognitive (Trail making test A, semantic verbal fluency, and Stroop test), motor (sit to stand, aerobic steps, and 8-foot up-and-go), and cognitive-motor tests (dual-task, and spatial navigation). One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare groups. Also, an effect size (ES) has been applied to evaluate differences among the dementia groups while the healthy older adults were used as a reference group. RESULTS: Only cognitive-motor and cognitive tests showed significant differences among groups (IADL 1 x IADL 2 x IADL 3). Compared with the healthy group, the ES analysis exposed that patients in different stages of IADL showed the worst performance on tests combining motor and cognitive demand, but not for motor and cognitive function separately. CONCLUSION: Poor dual-task and spatial navigation abilities are present in partial dependence in IADL, and these tasks should be considered as a functionality screening tool in patients with Dementia.

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BACKGROUND: Mental disorders increase the risk factor for developing physical comorbidity conditions, such as cardiometabolic diseases. There is a high prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in the elderly population which hampers clinical response. Studies have shown that this positive correlation between the aging process and enhancement of physical comorbidities is especially high among older adults who live in low or middle income countries. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between physical disease comorbidities and polypharmacy in older adults with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or major depressive disorder (MDD), living in a middle income country. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of community-dwelling elderly individuals who are cognitively healthy and those with AD, MCI, or MDD. The severity scale of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated to classify the severity of comorbidity condition. Logistic regression model (unadjusted and adjusted for age) were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for cardiometabolic comorbidity (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and overweight), and polypharmacy. RESULTS: Although there was not an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among the groups, elderly people with mental disorders presented higher odds for polypharmacy condition. Polypharmacy was significantly higher for all groups in comparison with cognitively healthy participants: AD (OR 22.00, 95 % CI 6.11-79.11), MDD (OR 14.73, 95 % CI 3.69-58.75) and MCI (OR 10.31, 95 % CI 2.44-43.59). Elderly patients with AD presented more severe comorbidities and higher risks for dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with depression, dementia and mild cognitive impairment have considerably higher odds for polypharmacy. People with dementia also have greater comorbidity severity than those who are cognitively healthy. In middle income countries, there is an urgent need to focus on promoting age-appropriate health approaches for the elderly with mental illness to prevent the development of aggravated cardiometabolic conditions and polypharmacy.