Purpose Population aging is one of the great achievements of humanity. However, with aging, the incidence of chronic diseases and those related to cognition deficits increase. In this way, strategies aimed at preventing or delaying cognitive deficit are extremely necessary. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between cognitive deficits, schooling and eating habits in a Brazilian elderly population. Methods The dietary habits of 400 older adults were investigated through structured questionnaires. Unhealthy eating habits such as low consumption of fruits, vegetables and beans, consumption of fatty meats and whole milk, adjusted for other variables, were evaluated. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were analyzed by Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results There was cognitive deficit prevalence of 17.7% in the study population, which increases with age progression. The low frequency of vegetable consumption increased the risk of cognitive deficit in the crude analysis by 47.6% and increased these odds by 44.1% after the final adjustment. Low educational level was also associated with cognitive deficit of individuals (28.25%). Conclusion Educational level and vegetable consumption in adult life and in later adulthood improve cognition.

Objective: to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and demographic, economic and self morbidities variables of elderly assisted by the Strategy Family Health Program of Francisco Beltrão, Parana. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed a population based sample of elderly aged over 60 years, and used a questionnaire with demographic, socioeconomic and the mentioned diseases data. The anthropometric measurements included weight, height and waist circumference. "T-Student", chi-square tests and multiple linear regression analysis were applied. Results: The study included 402 subjects, 72.1% composed by women. It was characterized by a high overweight prevalence 57.6%; being higher for women. Based on waist circumference, 73% of individuals had greatly increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Among the diseases aforementioned we found a prevalence of 73.9% for high blood pressure. There was a significant association between overweight nutritional status, women, age progression and increased waist circumference. Conclusion: This study reveals a high overweight prevalence, risk of cardiovascular disease and presence of hypertension, especially among women.