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TO THE ELDERLY IN CUBA
Jesús Menéndez Jiménez M.D., Second Degree Specialist in Geriatrics and Gerontology. Instructor at the Calixto García School of Medicine; Leocadio Martínez Almanza, M.D., Second Degree Specialist in Epidemiology. Assistant Professor at the Cuban National School of Public Health. MPH (Occupational Health).
Source: Paper presented at the Gerontovida 1999 Congress, Ibero-American Center on Aging (CITED)
ABSTRACT: A review of the main indicators of
population aging in Cuba, as well as the main causes of death and morbidity among the elderly. This study reveals an important increase in the aging of the Cuban population, as well as a significantly high
number of people over 60 in Cuba at present and an expected growth for the coming decades. Chronic diseases have replaced infectious communicable diseases as the main cause of death. The demographic and epidemiological patterns of
population aging as well as of the main causes of death for the elderly in Cuba are similar to those of developed countries.
MORTALITY RATES IN THE ELDERLY IN CUBA. MAIN CAUSES OF DEATH
Leocadio Martínez Almanza, M.D., Second Degree Specialist in Epidemiology, Assistant Professor at Cub's National School of Public Health, MS in Occupational Health; Jesús Menéndez Jiménez, M.D., Second Degree Specialist in Geriatrics and Gerontology, Instructor at the Calixto García School of Medicine; Reinol Martínez Bebert, Resident in Comprehensive General (Family) Medicine at the Calixto García School of Medicine.
Source: Presentation at Gerontovida 1999 Congress, Ibero-American Center on Aging (CITED)
ABSTRACT: This work describes the chief aspects of mortality in people over 60 in Cuba,
as well as the main causes of death in this age group. The data obtained reveals the current and future challenges facing Cuba's public health system in this regard. The study points to the
urgent need for further research on this subject, to ensure decision-making that is adequately informed by objective trends in mortality among the elderly in Cuba. This brief investigation
reveals a slight increase in mortality rates among people over 60, which serves not only to encourage further investigation, better services and information systems, but also to foster the
use of greater material and human resources for developing activities aimed at the control of this mortality rate as well as the main causes of death in the over-60 age group.
PAIN IN ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH CANCER
Pedro Julio Jiménez Chaviano, M.D., First Degree Specialist in Oncology; Bertha Redondo Rondón, M.D. , Second Degree Specialist in Anesthesiology
Source : Revista Cubana de Oncología 1998;14(1):26-34
ABSTRACT: The unquestionable technological advances of today's world have contributed
to an increase in life expectancy. In addition, as a result of social development, the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases has markedly increased, and more attention is currently
being paid to quality of life issues for older people. New specialties have been created in the field of Public Health in order to guarantee better attention to older people, especially to those
suffering from particular conditions. Geriatrics and palliative medicine go hand in hand in this new effort to improve the quality of life for elderly people with cancer, who very often
experience pain. This study is aimed at reflection on this phenomenon. The physiopathological features of elderly people, the particular characteristics of pain in those with cancer, and factors
modifying responses to analgesics in these patients, are presented. Emphasis is placed on struggling against false beliefs that result in inadequate use of drugs, especially opiates.
Practical recommendations are offered on management of pain and other symptoms in elderly patients with cancer are given.
INCIDENCE OF FALLS IN OLDER INSTITUTIONALIZED PATIENTS
Lic. Digna Díaz Oquendo, Lic. Ana Cecilia Barrera García, Lic. Andrea Pacheco Infante. (Nurses of the Noél Fernández Home for the Elderly. Vertientes Municipality. Camagüey, Cuba.)
Source: Revista Cubana de Enfermería, 15(1):34-8, 1999
ABSTRACT: A study conducted on the incidence of falls among elderly people living in the
Noel Fernández Home for the Elderly, Vertientes Municipality, Camagüey Province, Cuba. The purpose of the research was to use the findings to contribute to reducing morbidity and
mortality from accidents in Senior Citizens' Care Centers. A team of nurses provided data on the incidence of falls, which they obtained from clinical records and statistical registries.
Among the main findings of our study are: a higher prevalence of falls in people between 70 and 90 years of age, with a higher incidence in men and the physically and mentally disabled;
and frequent complications, such as trauma, wounds and fractures developed in people who fall, either as a result of weakness or of other underlying conditions. The study describes
prophylactic measures taken by nurses and other employees of this center aimed at reducing the occurrence of falls.
FALLS IN OLDER PEOPLE: OVERVIEW AND PREVENTION
Regla Ledia González Sánchez, M.D.; María Magdalena Rodríguez Fernández, M.D.; María de Jesús Ferro Alonso, M.D.; Josué Raúl García Millán.
Source: Revista Cubna de Enfermería, 15(1):98-102, 1999
ABSTRACT
: The incidence of falls is significantly higher in older people than in the rest of the Cuban population. Older people usually attribute falls to their old age and do not necessarily
seek medical assistance after falling. This study treats preventive measures that may be taken by family doctors to prevent falls in their older patients, and with the appropriate management
of falls in the elderly. The authors recommend that family doctors survey their populations to determine risk factors for falls in elderly patients, and health education among the elderly in
their health area, based on the physician's own specific knowledge in this important aspect of prevention.
COST ANALYSIS OF GERIATRIC CARE FOR CUBANS
IN SENIOR CITIZENS' CARE CENTERS
Lic. Rafael
Estéves Ramos; Lic. Martha Estrada, Nurses Specialized in Geriatric Care; Miriam Basset Alvarez. Source: Revista Cubna de Enfermería, 14(3):155-60, 1998
ABSTRACT: This study was aimed at determining the cost of geriatric care in the Manuel
Ramos Silva Home for the Elderly, in Camagüey Province. Data was obtained from the Statistics and Accounting Departments of this center, receipts issued by storerooms, fdata on
medications used and payrolls. Calculations determined the number of services and beds utilized, the unitary cost or daily cost per patient, level of activity and overall operating
expenses. The overall operating expenses amounted over $225,000 Cuban pesos, representing a considerable investment in quality of life and services for these patients.
CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY
Florentino Barrizonte Meneses, M.D.; René Manzo Fernández, M.D.; Luis A. Corona Martínez, M.D.
Source : Revista Cubana de Medicina General; 13(2):133-8, March-April, 1997
ABSTRACT: 162 persons were studied with regard to clinical and epidemiological aspects
of hypertension in elderly people. The authors found 39.51% of these patients suffered from hypertension, with greater prevalence among the 65-69 age group. The most common type of
hypertension was systodiastolic (64.06%). Furthermore, there was a higher a prevalence of moderate-degree hypertension (83.33%) among this same group. None of the patients
suffered form severe hypertension. The incidence of cerebrovascular disease, ischaemic cardiopathy and chronic renal failure was higher in hypertensive patients than in those who did not suffer high blood pressure.
TREATMENT OF SENILE DEMENTIA OF THE ALZHEIMER TYPE WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND OZONE THERAPY
Juan de J Llibre Rodríguez, M.D.; Juan A Samper Noa, M.D.; Tania Laucerique Pardo, M.D.; Zoila Pérez González, M.D.
Source : Revista cubana de medicina militar; 24(2):69-77, julio-diciembre, 1995.
ABSTRACT: 45 patients diagnosed with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type were studied.
The patients were randomly included in one of three treatment groups: the rectal ozone therapy group, the magnetic field therapy group and the combined therapy group. Three types of
responses to treatment were defined, based on the patients' degree of deterioration due both to age and Alzheimer's disease, the Folstein's brain exam, evaluation by the patients' relatives
and our medical team follow-up evaluation on the progression of the patients' psychiatric and behavioral manifestations, as well as on other indicators measuring quality of life. The
responses were thus divided into, 'regression or improvement', 'progression', and 'no change'. A regression or improvement response was obtained in 60% of the cases treated
with a combination of magnetic field and ozone therapies within one month. 46.6% of these patients showed the same positive response after six months of treatment, in the case of
patients treated with ozone therapy or with magnetic field therapy as single therapeutical methods. No signs of toxicity were observed in these patients.
THE ELDERLY IN THE FAMILY UNIT:
THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUNGER MEMBERS
Lic. Ismedy Martínez Sánchez, Yakelín Cardoso Vidal, Henry Quintero Rodríguez, M.D.
Source: Revista Cubana de Enfermería 1999;15(1):44-50
ABSTRACT: A linear, prospective study was conducted at the Mario Muñoz Monroy
Community Teaching Polyclinic in Vertientes Municipality, Camagüey Province. 200 people-both young and old-were surveyed. General data such as age, sex, occupation and
education were obtained and tabulated. Survey forms also include data on the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the people surveyed with their interpersonal relations in the
family unit: sense of acceptance, support and giving and receiving assistance, among other variables. The image the younger and the older people in the family have about their household
was also evaluated, as well as their interest in cooperation within the family unit. We also included the opinion of the younger and older family members about the role they expected each other to play within the family.
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INDIRECT METHOD FOR MEASURING MEMORY IN THE ELDERLY
Maria Luisa Bringas Vega, Doctor of Psychology, Head of the Neuropsychology Department, International Center for Neurological Recovery (CIREN).
Source : Work presented at the 20th Congress of the Latin American Psychiatric Association and at the 2nd International Conference, Psychiatric Hospital of Havana, 1998.
ABSTRACT: Emotional factors interfere with mental capabilities in older people-among
whom there is a high incidence of depression. Low performance on conventional psychological tests can be interpreted as false positive results in the diagnosis of dementia. The
emotional and intellectual status of 48 patients between 50 and 84 was evaluated by using the SCAN method. A psychological test to implicitly explore memory was also used. This test
consisted in naming objects. Six different stimuli were used. Each person received each stimulus three times-in order to achieve a perceptual representation or "priming" that would
improve the quality of the response to the stimulus upon a second contact. Results showed that patients suffering dementia could remember from 0 to 2 of the 6 objects, as a result of a
priming debilitation process. However, non-demented patients-even in cases of those with other neurological disorders-could remember from 4 to 6 objects. A multivariate analysis
showed that the measurement of memory-both implicit and/or explicit-facilitated determination of patients suffering from dementia. However, explicit measurement methods were in all cases
influenced by depression, revealing greater effectiveness of indirect memory measurement methods as compared to direct ones.
LIFESTYLE, SUBJECTIVE WELLBEING, AND HEALTH STATUS OF OLDER PEOPLE
Nuris Fernández Larrea, B.S. in Psychology; Ana Margarita Clúa Calderín, B.S.in Mathematics; Rosa Ma. Baéz Dueñas, M.D.; Milvia Ramirez Rodríguez, M.D.; Vicente Prieto Díaz, B.S. in Chemistry.
Source: National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Havana.
ABSTRACT: A descriptive study was carried out in three municipalities in City of Havana
Province,1994-1997. A PFEIFFER test was given to each older person included in the study in order to rule out possible intellectual deficit, as mental deterioration was one of the
exclusionary criteria. 324 patients were studied, to whom the Neugarten questionnaire was given in order to determine these patients' psychological wellbeing. A form designed by the
authors of this study was also applied in these patients, which included general data such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, and education as well as lifestyle variables such as the
characteristics of work activity, free time and free time activities, physical exercise, habits (smoking, alcohol consumption), personal relations and social contacts. Furthermore, other
relevant factors were studied, such as elements of the patients' way of life that influence their feelings of comfort, the perception of health care and the degree of morbidity expressed by the
patients, in terms of symptoms or ailments and/or chronic disease.
CHANGES IN THE MOOD OF ELDERLY PEOPLE DEPENDING
ON THE PLACE THEY CARRY OUT THEIR ACTIVITIES
Lic. Blanca Sousa Pérez; Lic. Héctor Rodríguez Murga; Lic. Mercedes García Chávez; María Elena Gilbao, M.D.
Source : Revista Cubana de Enfermería, 1998;14(13):168-73.
ABSTRACT: Marjorie Warren has been considered a key person in the creation of Geriatric
Medicine. She pointed to the need for specialized care for older people, and most important of all, the need for a change in the attitude of health-care professionals and of the whole
society toward them. The importance of Warren's ideas has prompted us to carry out this study, aimed at evaluating the mood of elderly people in three health-care centers, a factor
studied in relation to the place where they carry out their activities. 150 older people who receive attention at the Carlos Verdugo Teaching Polyclinic in Matanzas Province, and who
carry out their daily activities at home, in senior citizens' centers and family doctor's offices, were included in this study. This study showed that 70% of these people reflected a positive
mood - those attended in social care institutions. This was not the case of older people who carried out their activities only at home. The results obtained in our study show that a
combination of activities in institutions, at home and in the community are most effective for achieving a positive mental outlook among older people.
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