title: Neurodegenerative disorders increase decline in respiratory muscle strength in older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Respiratory muscle strength (RMS) is a determinant of vital capacity, and its decline can lead to inadequate ventilation and deficiency in the elimination of secretions from the airways. Studies analyzing RMS in older adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain scarce, making the analysis of this variable still very uncertain. The aim of this study was to analyze the RMS of older adults diagnosed with PD and AD, in relation to healthy control peers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 65 older adults comprising 3 groups: PD (n = 20), AD (n = 20), and control (n = 25). The participants underwent anthropometric and cirtometric measurements associated with maximal respiratory pressures. We analyzed data using descriptive (mean and SD) and inferential statistics (1-way analysis of variance, Student t test, and Scheffé post hoc) with a level of significance of 5% (P < .05) and a CI of 95%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although the anthropometric and cirtometric variables indicated similarity of values between groups (P > .05), the maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were considerably lower in the subjects with PD and AD (P < .01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The control of the anthropometric and cirtometric variables of the subjects indicates that RMS is affected by the aging process, and its decline increases in neurodegenerative conditions. This fact represents a serious risk for the development of atelectasis and other pneumo-functional complications, which must be considered in proposing of future therapies.
authors.affiliation: Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vinicius S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Sanches
authors.affiliation: Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiana M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Janainny M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mara L M
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. g.christofoletti@ufms.br.
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Christofoletti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D045853:Exhalation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014797:Vital Capacity
keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; airway pressure; critical care; public health; respiratory function tests