Impact of cognitive stimulation on depression, anxiety, cognition and functional capacity among adults and elderly participants of an open university for senior citizens

Abstract

Objective:

this study evaluated the effectiveness of a Gerontological Cognitive Stimulation workshop, aimed at improving the cognitive and functional performance and mood symptoms of senescent participants in an Open University for Senior Citizens.

Method:

An open controlled clinical trial with a wait list was performed, with 15 people participating in the intervention group and 16 people in the control group. At the beginning and end of the study (six months later) the Digit span, ACE-R, Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) tests were applied.

Results:

In the intervention group, there was improvement in the variables evaluated, with significant differences in the visuospatial domain (p=0.022), symptoms of depression (p=0.048) and anxiety (p=0.002). In the control group the symptoms of depression and anxiety deteriorated.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that the cognitive stimulation program has a beneficial effect on the mood symptoms of adults and elderly members of an Open University Program for Senior Citizens.

Key words:
Elderly; Cognition; Depression; Anxiety