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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Psychoactive drugs as risk factors for functional decline among noninstitutionalized dependent elderly people
Marcos Aparecido Sarria Cabrera1, Mara Solange Gomes Dellaroza, Celita Salmaso Trelha
1Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. marcoscabrera@uol.com.br
Objective:
To analyze the association between use of psychoactive drugs and functional decline among noninstitutionalized dependent elderly people.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Participants:
A total of 161 community-dwelling elderly people with functional dependence.
Measurements:
The data were analyzed using logistic regression with adjustment for age models. The independent variables were the following: use of psychoactive drugs (antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, or sedatives), cognitive decline (Mini-Mental State Examination score<20), and daytime sleepiness. The dependent variables were the following: dependence relating to activities of daily living (ADLs) and dependence relating to instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
Results:
Data on 131 individuals of mean age 77.5 years were analyzed. Psychoactive drugs were used by 33.6%. Age-adjusted univariate analysis showed associations between psychoactive drug use and both ADLs and IADLs. However, in multivariate analysis, only ADLs showed a significant association with psychoactive drug use, independent of cognitive decline and daytime sleepiness (OR=2.67; 95% CI: 1.04-6.85; P=.04).
Conclusions:
There is a greater risk of impairment of ADLs among noninstitutionalized elderly people using psychoactive drugs. These results indicate the need for rational use of medication groups among this population with greater risk of functional impairment.
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An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...