El impacto de un programa de rehabilitación neuropsicológica grupal en el funcionamiento cognitivo y emocional de los ancianos institucionalizadosO impacto de um programa de reabilitaçao neuropsicológica grupal no funcionamento cognitivo e emocional dos idosos institucionalizados

Abstract

We have created a group neuropsychological rehabilitation program (GNRP) with the objective of intervening in the cognitive and emotional functioning of institutionalized elderly, evaluate the influence of the GNRP over time in cognitive and executive functions, and analyze its impact when used with an intergenerational context. Methodology: The sample included 89 institutionalized elderly with cognitive impairment without dementia with an average age of 81 years (SD = 7.17). Elderly were assessed pre and post-intervention through the Mini Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Frontal Assessment Battery, Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Scale of Positive and Negative Affectivity, and the Loneliness Scale, and divided into a Rehabilitated Group (RG), a Comparison Group (CG), and a Rehabilitated Intergenerational Group (IRG). Results: In the RG, elderly stabilized in emotional functioning and improved in cognitive and executive functioning, and this improvement was maintained after six months. The GC deteriorated in all measures. The GIR improved in emotional, cognitive, and executive measures in a more expressive way. Discussion/Conclusion: These results allow us to conclude the importance of continuing to use the GNRP in an institutional context. It is imperative to assess its impact in older persons with dementia. To test its effectiveness in preventing decline, we should implement them in older adults with normal cognitive functioning.