Life Satisfaction and the Relationship between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Disability Incidence: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

The relationship between the incidence of disability and cognitive function has been clarified, but whether life satisfaction is related to this relationship is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify whether life satisfaction is related to the relationship between the incidence of disability and mild cognitive impairment. We included 2563 older adults from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Baseline measurements included cognitive, life satisfaction, and demographic characteristics. Life satisfaction was measured using the Life Satisfaction Scale, which was stratified into three levels based on the score: lower, moderate, and higher. Associations between disability incidence and mild cognitive impairment were examined for each group according to life satisfaction, and monthly assessment for disability was monitored through long-term care insurance certification for at least 2 years from the baseline. At a 35.5-month mean follow-up, 150 participants had developed a disability. The potential confounding factors adjusted hazard for incidence of disability in the group with lower life satisfaction was 1.88 (CI: 1.05–3.35; p = 0.034) for mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment was associated with disability incidence, and the effect was more pronounced among older adults with lower life satisfaction.

Cognitive Function and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Adults Aged 40 Years and Above: The Mediating Roles of IADL Disability and Life Satisfaction

“…Zhang et al studied nationally representative data in China and found that compared with those who were satisfied with their lives, the elderly with lower life satisfaction were more than twice as likely to be depressed [47]. Scholars have also found that cognitive decline was related to disability incidence, which was more common among elderly people who were dissatisfied with their lives [48]. It is concluded that cognitive function, IADL disability, and life satisfaction are related to each other.…”

The longitudinal relationship between levels of cognitively stimulating leisure activity and positive and negative affect among older adults with MCI

“…[10][11][12] The cognitive impairments associated with MCI contribute to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and low self-esteem negatively affecting mental health. [13][14][15] Recent studies have reported that older adults who have MCI experience lower levels of life satisfaction and happiness 16,17 and higher levels of depression and stress [10][11][12] than those who do not have MCI. Prior studies have reported a significant link between MCI symptoms and emotional well-being, both positive and negative, in the elderly population.…”