Cerebral stimulation for the hospitalised elderly
Mª. D. Pérez Fonollá, N. García Castillo

SUMMARY

Introduction: As people get older, certain changes happen in the brain that become even more pronounced when the elderly person falls ill. Therefore it is very important to carry out exercises that stimulate the brain of elderly hospitalised people with special focus on the main cerebral functions of orientation and language. Our aims will be directed towards enhancing, stimulating and exercising two main cognitive functions: orientation and language in their diverse forms.

Methods and resources: This work was developed in the San Rafael University hospital in Granada. The activities carried out were of orientation and language. Variables: age, sex, main diagnostic, Barthel Index and the Lobo (MEC) mini cerebral test.

Results: The sample is constituted by 20 patients with an average age of 84.5 years old. We can note two main predominances: a greater number of women (75% from the total sample) and significant prevalence of neurological diseases (40%). During the initial MEC, before accomplishing the exercises, 35% of the sample showed a moderate cognitive deterioration, whereas minor deterioration prevailed during the subsequent MEC after the exercises, with a 35%. Within orientation exercises, patients obtained higher marks in the temporal-spatial ones. Concerning language exercises, marks reached an acceptable standard overall.

Discussions and conclusions: The aged patients showed an acceptable level in temporal and spatial orientation and verbal repetition. It is essential the periodical practice of stimulating cognitive activities to improve aged patients’ life standards.

KEY WORDS

   Elderly hospitalised, cognitive deterioration, stimulating cognitive.

Vol. 17 nº3-2006