The association between leisure activity patterns and the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

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.

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

“…Third, a counting backward test was used to assess attention and processing speed. 46,47 Participants were asked to count backward for 10 continuous numbers starting from 20 in two trials (e.g., 20,19,18,17). Each correct trial was awarded one point, with participants able to earn a total of two points in the attention and processing speed tests.…”

“…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 10–12 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 18,19 . Older adults with MCI have higher levels of negative affect and lower levels of positive affect than those without MCI 20,21…”

“…A vicious cycle has been identified between MCI symptoms, deteriorating emotional health, and an increased risk of AD/ADRD in older adults with MCI. Studies reported that cognitive impairment is associated with lower levels of positive affect, but not with lower levels of negative affect 18,19 . Further, MCI is directly linked to lower levels of positive affect and higher levels of negative affect, and the relationship is meditated by clinical interventions that help to attenuate the cognitive decline resulting from decreased emotional well‐being in older life.…”

“…Prior studies have reported a significant link between MCI symptoms and emotional well-being, both positive and negative, in the elderly population. 18,19 Older adults with MCI have higher levels of negative affect and lower levels of positive affect than those without MCI. 20,21 The prevalence and level of BPSD lie between cognitively intact older adults and AD/ADRD older adults and these are indicators to understand the progression of MCI to AD/ADRD.…”

“…Studies reported that cognitive impairment is associated with lower levels of positive affect, but not with lower levels of negative affect. 18,19 Further, MCI is directly linked to lower levels of positive affect and higher levels of negative affect, and the relationship is meditated by clinical interventions that help to attenuate the cognitive decline resulting from decreased emotional well-being in older life. It is essential to consider the critical nature of emotional health when dealing with MCI in older adults as both positive and negative emotions can be impacted.…”