Estado cognitivo e consumo de café e chimarrão em idosos do Sudoeste do Paraná

Abstract

Introduction: The pathologies related to aging, especially dementia, are marked by a significant increase in its prevalence. Thus, as there is no efficient treatment to modify the course of these pathologies, prevention becomes a priority and nutrition is an important modifiable risk factor. Objectives: To evaluate the cognitive status and the frequency of consumption of coffee and mate by elderly in southwestern Paraná. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey with primary data collected from the three provinces of southwestern Paraná: Capanema, Planalto e Realeza. To characterize the sample, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined using body mass index, triceps skinfold, and arm circumference. The cognitive status was evaluated by the Mini Mental State Examination and the functional capacity by the Pfeffer questionnaire. The frequency of consumption of coffee and mate was verified by means of a food consumption frequency questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyzes were performed. Results and discussion: Participants were 82 elderly people with a predominance of women, 65 to 70 years of age, low educational level, and residents with spouses. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 20.7%, with a significant association between the cognitive state with schooling (p=0,0084) and the cognitive domains: temporal (p=0,0380) and spatial (p=0,0482) orientation; attention and calculation (p=<0,0001); recall memory (p=0,0036); and language (p=0,0002). There was a high frequency of daily consumption of coffee and mate, but there was no statistical difference according to the cognitive state. Conclusion: A significant number of individuals with cognitive decline were observed, but there was no association between coffee and mate consumption and cognitive status in the sample studied.