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Introduction and objective Cognitive functioning disorders are a common problem associated with the aging process. One of the non-pharmacological therapeutic methods used in attempts at improvement the cognitive functioning of the elderly is neurofeedback. The aim of the work was to conduct a review of the latest research on the effectiveness of the use of the neurofeedback method in cognitive training of older people. Brief description of the state of knowledge Based on a review of literature from 2013–2018 concerning the use of the neurofeedback method in the cognitive training of the elderly, 7 items qualified for the analysis. In the majority of them, the training included persons without diagnosed cognitive impairment. Positive influence on cognitive functions was dependent on the training protocol used; however, the most frequent changes were observed in the range of particular memory functions. In most studies, it was shown that the use of the neurofeedback method in cognitive training is associated with changes in the EEG record of older people. Conclusions The results of the conducted analysis indicate a potential of the neurofeedback method in the therapy of cognitive functions of the elderly. It was found that better therapeutic effects were achieved in patients whose cognitive state enabled fully active participation in the training. However, large discrepancies in the training protocols used, and the small number of publications meeting the inclusion criteria, suggest the need for further research, in particular regarding the observation of the long-term effects of the training procedures used.

Abstract Background The extension of the life span has led to an increase in the number of older people and an increase in the prevalence of disability in people over 60 years of age. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ADL and IADL disability and to analyze its determinants among people aged 60 and older living in southeastern Poland. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among a randomly selected, representative population of people aged 60 and older living in southeastern Poland. Disability was assessed using the Katz Index of Independence in Basic Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Logistic regression models were used to identify the factors related to ADLs and IADLs. For the variables that were included in the above models, their clustered influence on the increase in the odds ratio for the occurrence of an ADL or IADL limitation was also examined. Results The research results show that 35.75% of the participants reported at least one problem with IADLs. At least one problem with ADLs was reported by 17.13% of the participants. The most significant modifiable factors influencing the occurrence of disability were the presence of barriers in the participant’s environment, poor relations with relatives, a lack of social contacts, multimorbidity and pain. A multiple increase in the odds ratio of disability was found with the presence of pairs of analyzed factors. The highest odds ratio of at least one ADL limitation was observed for the combination of barriers in the participant’s environment with multimorbidity (OR 74.07). With regard to IADL disability, the highest odds ratio was observed for the combination of pain on the VAS scale ≥3 points with older age (OR 19.47). Conclusions The study showed a high prevalence of ADL and IADL disability in older people living in southeastern Poland. It also indicated the extent to which modifiable factors influenced the occurrence of disability and the extent to which the risk of disability increased with the presence of pairs of factors, especially those that included environmental barriers in the participant’s environment.

Introduction Since the beginning of the 20th century, the aging of the European population has been observed, and the potential long-term social and economic problems have been flagged. Objective The aim of the study was assessment of the level of disability and multidimensional analysis of determining factors among the elderly living in rural areas. Material and Methods The study was conducted in a population of 973 people aged 60–80 living in south-eastern Poland. The research tool used in the study was the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule – WHODAS 2.0. Results As many as 28.26% of the study group had at least a moderate level of disability; severe disability was observed in 11.51 % of the participants, and extreme disability was experienced by 0.21%. The highest average level of disability in the study group was found in performing activities of daily living (mean = 28.94; SD = 30.04), participation in everyday life (mean = 28.40; SD = 23.29) and mobility (mean = 26.04; SD = 27.57). Statistically significant relationships were observed between age, gender, education level, physical activity and number of chronic diseases. Conclusions An increase in the level of education and popularization of physical activity may be helpful in reducing the prevalence of disability among the elderly inhabitants of rural areas. Increasing access to health care, aimed at rapid diagnosis of chronic diseases, treatment and rehabilitation, seems to be a reasonable action preventing the disability in rural areas.