ObjectivesThe study aimed to identify leisure activity patterns among older adults and explore the differences in the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of these patterns.MethodsA total of 352 older adults aged ≥ 65 years in Shijiazhuang were enrolled in this study from June to September 2021. Their leisure activities and cognition were evaluated. Latent class analysis and logistic regression models were used for analysis. The manuscript was organized according to the STROBE guidelines.ResultsWe identified three latent classes of leisure activities: multidomain activities (MDA) class (55%), self-improvement activities (SIA) class (21%), and family-centered activities (FCA) class (24%). Three latent classes significantly differed in general characteristics (gender, education, and body mass index) and the prevalence of MCI. The prevalence of MCI was 3.694 times higher in older adults in the FCA class than in older adults in the MDA class (OR = 3.694, P < 0.001) and 2.573 times higher in older adults in the SIA class (OR = 2.573, P = 0.036).ConclusionPatterns of low participation in intellectual activities were associated with MCI. Identifying the heterogeneity in leisure activity engagement in later life was critical for tailoring interventions and designing programs that can improve the cognitive function of older adults.

IntroductionCognitive decline is a central manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its process is inseparable from changes in synaptic plasticity. The aim of this review was to summarize and evaluate the effectiveness of exercise on cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in AD animal models.Materials and methodsEligible studies were searched from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from April to May 2022. The risk of bias was evaluated by Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). The Morris water maze (MWM) test and synaptic plasticity were considered outcome measures. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses using the software Stata. Heterogeneity was examined by using I2 test. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also assessed.ResultsA total of 20 randomized controlled studies were eligible for study inclusion. Compared with controls, exercise decreased escape latency (SMD = −0.86, 95% CI: −1.21 to −0.50, P < 0.001), increased platform crossover numbers (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.57–2.11, P = 0.001) and time in the target quadrant (SMD = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.95–2.36, P < 0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.25–1.21, P = 0.003) in AD animals. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that exercise before AD had a greater effect on escape latency (SMD = −0.88, 95% CI: −1.25 to −0.52, P < 0.001), platform crossover numbers (SMD = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.23–2.18, P < 0.001), time in the target quadrant (SMD = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.19–2.87, P < 0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.19–1.69, P = 0.014) than exercise after AD. The results of the subgroup analysis also showed that treadmill running might be an appropriate exercise type.ConclusionOur findings suggested that exercise had a potential effect on improving cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. It can play a better neuroprotective role before AD.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022328438.

Abnormal cognitive aging in older adults is a growing public health problem. Previous studies showed inconsistent results pertaining to the effects of leisure activities on cognitive function in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational longitudinal studies to examine and synthesize the effects of leisure activities on cognitive function in older adults. MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science databases were searched from January 2012 to January 2022. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Most studies found that leisure activities had a positive effect on cognitive function in older adults. The pooled RR for the effect of leisure activity on cognitive function was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.72–0.81, p < 0.01). The effects of leisure activities on cognitive function varied by different cognitive statuses in older adults, with RRs ranging from 0.55 (95% CI: 0.37–0.83) to 1.07 (95% CI: 0.95–1.22). Meta-regression analysis showed that compared with studies with percentage of female ≥50%, studies with female participant percentage <50% had significantly increased RR (p = 0.01). Moreover, studies conducted in European and American countries had significantly lower RR (p = 0.019), compared with those conducted in Asian countries. Our study revealed different effects of various types of leisure activities on different cognitive statuses in older adults. To make innovative recommendations for promoting cognitive function in older adults, more detailed observational longitudinal studies investigating the effects of different types of leisure activities on different cognitive statuses in older adults are needed.