Brain microbleeds are associated with vascular burden and AD diagnosis in old patients with neurodegenerative dementia. More research is warranted regarding the mechanisms and potential clinical implications of these results.

BackgroundFunctioning assessment is a key tool for health professionals to characterize the person's degree of dependence and plan care.ObjectivesThe objectives were: (1) know the functioning components of older adults hospitalized in the National Network of Continuous Integrated Health Care (NNCIHC) in Portugal; and (2) compare the conceptual frameworks used in this network with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).MethodsA longitudinal retrospective study is made with 171,414 individuals aged 65 years and over. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was realized to reduce the number of variables, previously suggested by a scoping review, about the concepts that characterize the functionality. Then, a consensus meeting was held, where the items were matched with the ICF.ResultsThe average age of the sample is 80.17 years old (SD = 7.383), predominantly female (59%), without a spouse (54%), and with <6 years of education (56.4%). Four concepts were grouped: mobility, life daily activities, instrumental activities, and cognitive status that demonstrated good internal consistency. Most items correspond to ICF, except for the item “taking medication.”ConclusionTheoretical and conceptual similarities support the use of instruments based on the ICF in Portugal's healthcare network. We suggest that ICF also encompasses a specific dimension related to medication management, given its importance for people's health.

Aim: To evaluate the evolution of the functional profile of older adults admitted to a health unit in Portugal; to relate the functional profile of these individuals with age, sex, education level and emotional state; and to evaluate the probability of the degree of dependence as a function of age and sex. Methods: longitudinal, retrospective study with a sample of 59,013 older adults admitted to convalescence units of the National Network of Integrated Continuous Care of Portugal. Results: In the first 75 days of hospitalization, activities of daily living, mobility and cognitive state improved, but there was a decline after 75 days of hospitalization. The ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living improved in the first 15 days of hospitalization, stabilized until 45 days and then began to worsen. Women had a higher probability of having a severe/complete dependence three years earlier than men (88 years to 91 years). A higher education level and stable emotional state were protective factors against functional decline. Conclusions: The functional profile of older adults improved during the length of stay recommended for hospitalization in convalescence units (30 days). It is critical for health systems to adopt strategies to prevent declines in the emotional state of frail individuals.

With the worldwide trend towards aging and increasing numbers of chronic diseases, the promotion of self-care as a central issue in public health is a necessity. Recently, several international entities recommend that the nursing profession rethink its focus of intervention and maximize the relevance attributed to fundamental and long-term care. The implementation of fundamental care has been associated with improved of health service security, reduced mortality rate, and hospital readmission. At the same time, for an appropriate response of the health system, it is crucial to know the care needs of people aged 65 and over, which can be met by the analysis of electronic health records.

Cerebral microbleeds were linked to cerebrovascular disease and predicted motor deterioration in institutionalized people with advanced dementia.