Vulnerability and cognitive protection factors in older persons

Estimates from the Portuguese Statistics reveal that 19.0% of the resident population in Portugal is in the age group with 65 years or older. By 2020, it is expected that the proportion of the elderly (≥ 65 years old) will increase to 20.6%. Cognitive plasticity and reserve capacity are central in studies addressing the ageing process, thus it is extremely important to identify the vulnerability and protection factors. OBJECTIVE. To identify vulnerability and cognitive protection factors in older persons. METHODOLOGY. Epidemiological and transversal study, conducted with a population of 151 persons, with an average age of 70.8 (± 5.4), in the metropolitan area of Porto. RESULTS. The results indicate that lifestyles involving physical exercise; eating habits; sleep and rest patterns; leisure activities; satisfactory emotional life and the use of health services can act as vulnerability factors or protective factors. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) has an average of 26.6 (± 4.4) and the questionnaire of cognitive reserve of 6.3 (± 4.6). The dimensions of the MMSE show an association between items, with emphasis on MMSE guidance and MMSE attention and calculation, with a correlation of r = .75; p = 0.001 and r = .89; p = 0.001 respectively. CONCLUSION. The healthy lifestyles, involving physical exercise; proper nutrition; the regular sleep pattern; engagement in leisure activities; a satisfactory emotional life and the use of health services can function as protective factors (present) or vulnerability (absent).