Resumen

JIMENEZ-PUIG, Elizabeth et al. Neurocognitive functioning in a sample of older adults from Santa Clara. Rev Nov Pob [online]. 2023, vol.19, n.37, pp. 164-188.  Epub 15-Jun-2023. ISSN 1817-4078.

Population aging in a health problem that demands current studies. Neurocognitive evaluation of older adults is an essential pillar in the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia syndromes. The present investigation was developed with the objective of characterizing neurocognitive processes in a sample of older adults from Santa Clara. The study was mixed, with a DEXPLIS design, and an exploratory-descriptive scope. The main instruments for collecting information were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); the Cognitive Reserve Scale (CRIq); and semi-structured interview. The great part of the participants managed to recognize objects and elements coming from the daily life, the phonemic and grammatical production of words. They managed to establish similarities or analogies between environmental phenomena. They were successful in simple calculation processes, and they managed to orient themselves. The dimensions mostly affected were the visuoespatial and executive functions; and the deferred memory. Satisfactory results were evidenced in the evaluation of cognitive reserve. Contemporary research is required to deepen even more the neurocognitive characteristics of the older adults. This would contribute to the development of assessment instruments, to the early diagnosis of dementia syndromes, and to the intervention processes at different levels of care.

Palabras clave : cognitive reserve; memory; older adult; orientation/abstraction; visuoespatial/executive.