Analysis of Effects of Risk Factors and Disease History on Cognitive Levels of Older Adults in Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background The increase in the older adult population has resulted in an epidemiological transition—namely, a shift in disease patterns from infections and nutritional disorders to degenerative diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and coronary heart disease. Disorders due to other decreased functions that often occur in older adults are also related to cognitive function. The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of risk factors and disease history on the cognitive level of older adults in nursing homes. Methods This research involved an analytical survey with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were 372 older adults living in nursing homes. The data in this study were obtained through interviews using demographic data questionnaires and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Data analysis was performed using a chi-square test. Results The results showed that there was a relationship between risk factors and the cognitive levels of older adults, including gender (0.003), ethnicity (0.04), education level (0.001), memory complaints (0.001), history of smoking (0.03), alcohol consumption (0.001), fruit and vegetable consumption (0.04), and occupation (0.02). Furthermore, there was a relationship between disease history and the cognitive levels of the older adults with a p-value of 0.02 (< 0.05). Conclusions There was a relationship between several risk factors and disease history and the cognitive levels of the older adults. One effort that can be undertaken by nurses is to identify and control factors that can affect cognitive functioning in older adults.