RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND COGNITIVE STATUS IN ELDERLY OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PARANA

Abstract

The aging process causes miscellaneous changes in the human body, including neurological changes, such as the decline in cognitive capacity. Studies report a probable relationship between cardiovascular disease (hereinafter, CVDs) and dementia, as both share common risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and cognitive status in elderly people of the southwestern Parana. Cross-sectional, quantitative study carried out with elderly people, both sexes, aged 60 or over, residing in three municipalities of the Southwest Region of Parana. Sociodemographic and clinical statistical data were realized through interviews. Cognitive assessment was measured using the Mini Mental State Examination – (hereinafter, MMSE) and the functional capacity of the research participants was assessed using the Pfeffer questionnaire – (QPAF). The risk of cardiovascular diseases was assessed by factors as: lifestyle, medical history and waist circumference (WC). The research data was composed by 82 elderly people, being 74.4% of them female, with a prevalence of age between 60 and 70 years. Of the interviewees, were 7.3% smokers, were 68.3% sedentary and 48.8% reported having cardiovascular disease. The presence of cognitive decline was present in 20.7% of the elderly and the frequency of risk for cardiovascular diseases, assessed by WC, was observed in 87.8% of the sample. This frequency of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases was elevated in the studied sample, however there was no association with the presence of cognitive decline.