Relação da conexão social e potencial evocado de longa latência P300 em pessoas idosas: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Given the aging population, it is increasingly necessary to understand the factors associated with cognitive aspects in old age. It is believed that social connection may influence the brain’s neuroplasticity, potentially serving as a form of mental stimulation. On the other hand, low social contact has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. In this sense, the present study aims to evaluate the relationship between social connection and the P300 event-related potential in aged people. This is a cross-sectional, observational, quantitative study conducted with individuals aged 60 or older. The sample consisted of 35 aged person, assessed through the P300 Auditory Event-Related Potential, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and a question assessing the frequency of social and family contacts. The sample was divided into two groups: daily social connection and sporadic social connection. The Mann-Whitney statistical test was used to compare the groups based on sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education, and whether they have a partner) and cognitive variables (latency and amplitude of P300 and MMSE). All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.0. The sample was predominantly composed of married women, with a mean age of 66.8 years, retired or housewives, and high educational levels. Regarding the sporadic and daily social connection groups, no statistically significant differences were found in the measures of P300 latency and amplitude and MMSE. The study concludes that there is no relationship between social connection and cognitive performance in an aged person.