Mentes ativas (active minds): effects of a remote cognitive stimulation program.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Population aging is associated with increased cognitive deficits, necessitating effective nonpharmacological interventions for mental health in older adults.
• Cognitive stimulation programs offer a promising avenue for promoting mental well-being and cognitive function in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of the remote cognitive stimulation program, Mentes Ativas, among cognitively healthy older adults.
• To evaluate the program's impact on cognitive function, mood, and life satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A six-month intervention involving 22 cognitively healthy older adults who completed at least 80% of the Mentes Ativas program sessions.
• Data collection included the Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Cognitive Function Instrument, and Satisfaction with Life Scale at baseline and post-intervention.
• Non-parametric statistical tests were employed to analyze changes in assessed parameters.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in subjective cognitive decline (p=0.005) and depressive symptoms (p=0.046) was observed.
• Anxiety symptoms decreased significantly (p<0.05), while life satisfaction showed a non-significant positive trend (p=0.132).
• Greater perceived cognitive decline correlated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower life satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The Mentes Ativas program demonstrates potential for enhancing cognitive and psychosocial well-being in older adults.
• Remote cognitive interventions can play a crucial role in supporting healthy aging and mitigating age-related cognitive decline.