OBJECTIVE: verify the effects of the conjugation of cognitive stimulation and physical activities on the memory of older women. METHODS: the sample was composed by 55 active women, with mean age of 68,4±5,6 years, living in the Federal District, who were randomly assigned to three possible groups: 1) Traditional Cognitive Stimulation (ECT; n=17); 2) Cognitive Stimulation and Corporal Movements (ECM; n=19); and 3) Control Group (GC; n=19). The interventions were performed over 12 sessions of approximately 90 minutes, in a frequency of three times per week. The ECT group performed traditional memory exercises while the ECM group underwent memory exercises conjugated with physical activities. For exclusion criteria examination and participants' characterization the Mini Mental State Examination and the Geriatric Depression Scale were applied, as well as a structured anamnesis. To evaluate the memory indexes the following tests were performed before and after the intervention: Word List Recall (MLP); Verbal Fluency (FV); and the Memory Complaints Scale (EQM). RESULTS: all the evaluated memory indexes significantly improved in the ECM and ECT groups, while no significant alterations were noted in the GC. Reinforcing these findings, a significant time*group interaction was noted for EQM and FV. In addition, the EQM scores were significantly greater in the GC at the end of the intervention when compared to the ECM and ECT groups. CONCLUSIONS: cognitive stimulation along with physical activities produced similar improvements to those promoted by traditional cognitive stimulation, thus suggesting practical application of the combination which will favor physical and mental health.
Memory; Aging; Cognition; Cognitive function; Physical exercises