Radiografia periapical no auxílio de diagnóstico para cálculo salivar no ducto de Stensen: relato de caso

Salivary calculus, also known as sialolithiasis, is an alteration that affects the salivary glands and/or their ducts promoting an obstruction of these through deposition of minerals in the ductal system. The most frequent gland is the submandibular gland, followed by the parotid, sublingual and minor salivary glands. The diagnosis can be made with the help of radiographs, in addition to the semi-technical features of palpation. The diagnostic hypothesis is confirmed after excisional biopsy with the removal of the salivary calculus. The objective of this study is to report a case of a 62-year-old patient who had a complaint of “dry mouth”. During the clinical examination, no alterations were observed; however, a radiopaque image was observed in the periapical radio- graph in the right upper molar region, which, during palpation, presented as a hardened/stony consistency nodule, suggestive of parotid sialolith. An excisional biopsy was performed confirming the diagnostic hypothesis. The patient was followed for a period of 6 months without signs of recurrence of the lesion.O cálculo salivar, também conhecido como sialolitíase, é uma alteração que acomete as glândulas salivares e/ou seus ductos promovendo uma obstrução destes por meio da deposição de minerais no sistema ductal. A glândula de maior ocorrência é a submandibular, seguida pela parótida, sublingual e glândulas salivares menores. O diagnóstico pode ser realizado com auxílio de radiografias, além dos recursos semiotécnicos de palpação. A hipótese diagnóstica é confirmada após a realização da biopsia excisional com remoção do cálculo salivar. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso clínico de um paciente com 62 anos que apresentava queixa de “boca seca”. Durante o exame físico observou-se um nódulo de consistência endurecida/ pétrea na mucosa jugal, confirmado por radiografia periapical em região de molares superiores direito que revelou uma imagem radiopaca, sugestiva de sialólito de parótida. Foi realizada biópsia excisional que confirmou a hipótese diagnóstica. O paciente foi acompanhado por um período de 6 meses sem sinais de recidiva da lesão

The presence of depressive symptoms and cognitive performance among older individuals with and without self-reported chronic diseases

ABSTRACT. Dementias secondary to cardiovascular diseases are the second cause of neurogenerative diseases. These conditions can be prevented by controlling risk factors, and it is necessary to observe the relationship between chronic diseases. Objective: to know the influence of chronic non-communicable diseases on cognition and depressive symptoms in the elderly, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 578 older adults were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian Telephone version of the Mini Mental State Examination (Braztel-MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and an open questionnaire related to NCDs. Results: the association of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) with age, depressive symptoms and schooling was confirmed. Conclusion: no association with cognitive decline was evident due to the relationship of high schooling of participants and control of NCDs

Idosas viúvas: da perda à reorganização

A viuvez é um fenômeno que afeta principalmente as mulheres idosas; uma das explicações para este fato consiste na longevidade comparativamente superior ao do gênero masculino; a perda de um familiar provoca sentimentos de pesar e tristeza e diversas mudanças na vida das pessoas, obrigando-as a enfrentar uma transição de identidade, assim como a perda de status e de independência socioeconômica. Portanto, é imprescindível compreender o processo de luto e as estratégias de enfrentamento para sua elaboração

Enhancement of carer skills and patient function in the non-pharmacological management of frontotemporal dementia (FTD): A call for randomised controlled studies

FTD is a unique condition which manifests with a range of behavioural symptoms, marked dysfunction in activities of daily living (ADL) and increased levels of carer burden as compared to carers of other dementias. No efficacious pharmacological interventions to treat FTD currently exist, and research on pharmacological symptom management is variable. The few studies on non-pharmacological interventions in FTD focus on either the carer or the patients' symptoms, and lack methodological rigour. This paper reviews and discusses current studies utilising non-pharmacological approaches, exposing the clear need for more rigorous methodologies to be applied in this field. Finally, a successful randomised controlled trial helped reduce behaviours of concern in dementia, and through implementing participation in tailored activities, the FTD-specific Tailored Activities Program (TAP) is presented. Crucially, this protocol has scope to target both the person with FTD and their carer. This paper highlights that studies in this area would help to elucidate the potential for using activities to reduce characteristic behaviours in FTD, improving quality of life and the caregiving experience in FTD

Propostas de gestão dos equipamentos de atenção ao idoso: Relatos de experiência do profissional gerontólogo

O objetivo desse estudo foi apresentar as primeiras experiências de atuação do gerontólogo, aplicadas no contexto da gestão de programas direcionados à população idosa. A pesquisa tratou-se de um estudo descritivo e de relato de experiência que examinou o relato de três profissionais bacharéis em Gerontologia, sobre a atuação em Centro de Convivência, Centro Dia e Instituição de Longa Permanência (ILPI). Nesse estudo, a habilidade que mais definiu o gerontólogo foi a aplicação das ferramentas da gestão, aliada a ações que objetivaram o bem-estar do idoso e família e a participação de diferentes atores, incluindo a comunidade, a rede de profissionais e os serviços

Gerontologia: práticas, conhecimentos e o nascimento de um novo campo profissional

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a Gerontologia como um campo de práticas, conhecimentos, e apresentar reflexões iniciais a respeito da criação de um novo campo profissional, descrevendo as primeiras experiências de atuação do gerontólogo bacharel em Gerontologia. Parte da discussão é baseada nas reflexões do grupo de estudos da Associação Brasileira de Gerontologia (ABG), com o objetivo de avaliar o cenário de atuação do gerontólogo e sistematizar as principais habilidades aplicadas no contexto da sua profissionalização. A atuação do bacharel em Gerontologia é um processo em construção e que pode ser observado no Brasil, Portugal, Canadá, Estados Unidos e nos países da América Latina. Esse profissional possui a importante missão de fortalecer a Gerontologia brasileira e amadurecer o contexto de práticas e conhecimentos no campo do envelhecimento

Enhancement of carer skills and patient function in the non-pharmacological management of frontotemporal dementia (FTD): A call for randomised controlled studies

ABSTRACT FTD is a unique condition which manifests with a range of behavioural symptoms, marked dysfunction in activities of daily living (ADL) and increased levels of carer burden as compared to carers of other dementias. No efficacious pharmacological interventions to treat FTD currently exist, and research on pharmacological symptom management is variable. The few studies on non-pharmacological interventions in FTD focus on either the carer or the patients' symptoms, and lack methodological rigour. This paper reviews and discusses current studies utilising non-pharmacological approaches, exposing the clear need for more rigorous methodologies to be applied in this field. Finally, a successful randomised controlled trial helped reduce behaviours of concern in dementia, and through implementing participation in tailored activities, the FTD-specific Tailored Activities Program (TAP) is presented. Crucially, this protocol has scope to target both the person with FTD and their carer. This paper highlights that studies in this area would help to elucidate the potential for using activities to reduce characteristic behaviours in FTD, improving quality of life and the caregiving experience in FTD

Elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and their family relationships: Caregiver perspectives

Abstract Objective: The present study was to investigate the status of the family relationships of elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease from a caregiver's perspective. Methods: A total of sixteen relatives/caregivers of AD patients were assessed by applying a semi-structured questionnaire about family relationships. Frequency tables containing categorical variables (gender, schooling, personal income and current occupation) were compiled. Descriptive statistics were calculated of continuous variables such as age. Answers to open questions were submitted to Bardin's content analysis. The data were held on the Epidata program and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS v.17.0 software package. Results: In line with the literature, the family was the main source of caregivers and the typical caregiver profile was female. In contrast to other studies, emotional burnout was not a major complaint in the sample studied. The ties created among family members and the life experience of each individual influences how interviewees cope with AD. Conclusion: The family relationships of caregivers of AD patients represent a constant challenge, due to changes in roles within the family structure as well as to disease progression. However, participation in psychological and socio-educational activities run by pioneering institutions in Brazil, act as a mediator of stress in the lives of both caregivers and patients

Dia dos Avós: atividades socioeducativas e intergeracionais bem-sucedidas

O Dia da Avó é comemorado em 26 de julho, uma data estratégica para estimular a interação social entre diferentes gerações e reflexões acerca do envelhecimento humano e da velhice. Em face dos potenciais benefícios das intervenções intergeracionais e socioeducativas, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um relato de experiência sobre as atividades realizadas durante um evento no Dia da Avó. Esse evento ocorreu em um parque público do município de São Paulo no ano de 2009 e contou com a participação de 350 idosos e 60 crianças. Durante as intervenções houve a divulgação de informações sobre como tornar o envelhecimento um processo orientado e bem assistido, o que favoreceu a reflexão de estratégias pessoais, sociais e coletivas para a participação social e a promoção da saúde ao longo do curso de vida, integrando diferentes gerações. Uma sociedade preparada para a temática da velhice e dos temas associados ao ciclo vital humano inicia a discussão desses temas nas comunidades, perpetuando a reflexão de maneira coletiva e com a participação de variados atores sociais. O bacharel em gerontologia, novo profissional na área do envelhecimento no Brasil, têm competências para favorecer, promover e integrar intervenções intergeracionais e socioeducativas que visam ao envelhecimento ativo

Depressive symptoms in elderly participants of an open university for elderly

Abstract Although the prevalence of depressive disorders among the elderly is lower than among the younger population, the presence of significant symptoms of depression is common in this group. Studies report that participation in social, educational and leisure activities is related to fewer depressive symptoms in this population. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression among elderly participants of an Open University for the Third Age, in terms of the time studying. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional design and the participation of 95.2% (n=184) of total enrollers in the first half of 2010 on the activities of the Third Age Open University's School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of the University of São Paulo. All participants answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results: An association between studying time of over one semester at the University of the Third Age and a lower rate of depressive symptoms, was observed. Conclusion: Study time of over one semester was associated with less depressive symptoms, acting as a possible protective factor against depression