This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of copper, iron, and selenium in elderly people with Alzheimer disease (AD), comparing the same parameters in a paired group of healthy people, in order to verify if the amount of these metals may influence the cognitive impairment progression. Patients' cognitive impairment was evaluated by Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The elementary quantification of erythrocytes was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. The statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS software 20.0 version, employing Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, Kruskall-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests, considering significant results of p < 0.05. The sample was composed of 34% (n = 11) of women and 66% (n = 21) of men in each group. The AD group was characterized by a higher concentration of copper (p < 0.0001) and iron (p < 0.0001); however, there is no significant difference in selenium level. The analyses of the metal levels in different stages of AD were not significant in CDR-1, however in CDR-2 and CDR-3, elevated levels of copper and iron were observed; in CDR-3 patients, the level of selenium was lower (p < 0.008) compared to that of healthy controls. Patients with Alzheimer disease studied present increase in biometal blood levels, especially of copper and iron, and such increase can be different according to the disease stage and can cause more impairment cognitive functions in AD.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We studied the users of the Specialized Drug Distribution Program of the public health network. METHODS: A prospective cohort examined the elderly at two intervals of three years and included 30 patients in phase I and 16 in phase II. The methodology was composed of home visits, anthropometric, nutritional and hematological evaluation. For the progression of AD, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale was used. RESULTS: According to the CDR, the disease evolved, since in 2014 most of the patients were in CDR 3. In the analysis of the micronutrients, only the B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) presented a significant reduction in 2014. The consumption of carbohydrates and lipids increased in the 2014 evaluation, and protein consumption decreased. As for the average weight of the elderly, there was an increase in 2014, 65.9 (± 15.6) Kg, with a BMI of 26.75 (± 4, 5), in 2011 the average weight was 62.44 kg (± 14, 36), BMI 24.64 (± 4.97). CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that patients are likely to be overweight or obese before the development of AD and that this may be associated with an increased risk of dementia is suggested.

Dementia is a common health problem in elderly people, Introduction Alzheimer disease (AD) being the most prevalent. AD can be considered as a cause of death and must be registered on the death certificate of the patients. However, most of the time, the main cause of death registered is not related to AD, but as an underlying or contributing cause. For example, individuals who have AD and die from myocardium infarction. This study aimed to analyze if nutritional status was associated with survival and mortality for AD, and if AD was reported as actual cause of death on the death certificate : The study was carried out as a cross-sectional study with elderly Methods citizens of the community registered in the National Health System (SUS), with cognitive, nutritional, biochemical and hematological evaluations of 30 AD patients in Guarapuava, Paraná state, Brazil. : Significant differences were not observed between live and dead Results patients when evaluated considering the methods applied. Only 22% of the death certificates stated death due to AD. The patient's cause of death showed a strong relation to respiratory issues; potential explanations based on immunological, biochemical and comorbidity were not confirmed on this study.: AD was not declared as the cause of death in the majority of Conclusions certificates, contributing to the underreporting and reducing the information of death due to AD in the country.

The anxiety disorders prevalence has significantly increased in society. These disorders can be treated with anxiolytics which, despite great efficacy, may result in several adverse side effects. Several studies have reported that anxiolytic effects result from the indirect action on the GABAergic system and mechanisms related to the cholinergic system. Melissa officinalis has been widely utilized for its sedative action and its ability to reduce agitation. Several studies using this plant in different experimental models have demonstrated its low toxicity and lack of side effects. Therefore, this study presents a literature review of the active principles responsible for the anxiolytic effect of M. officinalis and the mechanisms involved in this effect.

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