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. 2015 Apr-Jun;9(2):110-119.
doi: 10.1590/1980-57642015DN92000005.

Relationship between cognition and frailty in elderly: A systematic review

Allan Gustavo Brigola  1 , Estefani Serafim Rossetti  1 , Bruna Rodrigues Dos Santos  2 , Anita Liberalesso Neri  3 , Marisa Silvana Zazzetta  4 , Keika Inouye  4 , Sofia Cristina Iost Pavarini  4
Affiliations

Relationship between cognition and frailty in elderly: A systematic review

Allan Gustavo Brigola et al. Dement Neuropsychol. 2015 Apr-Jun.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognition and frailty in the elderly.

Methods: A systematic review on the currently existing literature concerning the subject was carried out. The search strategy included LILACS, SCOPUS, SciELO, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases.

Results: A total of 19 studies were selected for review, from which 10 (52.6%) were cross-sectional and 9 (47.4%) longitudinal, and the majority Brazilian. All of the studies established a link between cognition and frailty. There was a relationship between components of frailty and the cognitive domains. Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), dementia and mortality were all evidenced in the relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment.

Conclusion: The theory remains limited, but results show the variables that appear to be linked to cognition and frailty in elderly. This data can help in implementing actions to improve the quality of life among elderly.

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou analisar a relação entre cognição e fragilidade em pessoas idosas.

Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre o assunto. A estratégia de busca incluiu as bases LILACS, SCOPUS, SciELO, PsycINFO, PubMed e Web of Science.

Resultados: Foram selecionados 19 estudos para revisão. Dos estudos, 10 (52,6%) eram transversais e 9 (47,4%) longitudinais, sendo a maioria brasileiros. Todos os estudos estabeleceram relação entre cognição e fragilidade. Componentes da fragilidade e os domínios cognitivos apresentaram-se relacionados. Risco de Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve (CCL), demência e mortalidade foi evidenciado a partir da relação entre fragilidade e alterações cognitivas.

Conclusão: A literatura continua limitada, mas os resultados mostram as variáveis que parecem estar relacionadas à cognição e fragilidade em pessoas idosas. Esses dados poderão auxiliar na implantação de ações para melhorar a qualidade de vida desses idosos.

Keywords: cognition; dementia; elderly health; frail elderly.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of selection of articles for review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Model of association between factors, frailty, cognitive impairment and their outcomes in older adults.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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