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Published on: January 24, 2020
Preferences for routines in older people: associations with cognitive and psychological vulnerability
Valérie Bergua1, Colette Fabrigoule, Pascale Barberger-Gateau
1Clinical Psychological Research Laboratory-JE 2358, University of Bordeaux 2 - 3, ter Place de la Victoire, Bordeaux Cedex, France. valerie.bergua@wanadoo.fr
Objectives:
Although routine activities are important to normal functioning across all phases of life, their expression in older people may be associated with cognitive and psychological vulnerability.
Methods:
The relationship between these variables was explored in 235 elderly French participants from the PAQUID cohort study.
Results:
Cross-sectional positive associations were found between preferences for routines, anxiety and depression levels, and cognitive complaints. General cognitive decline over a three-year time span was also associated with a greater desire for routines at the end of this period.
Conclusions:
The progressive routinization of behaviors and activities in older people is discussed as a marker of affective and cognitive vulnerability, and its understanding has potential for improving the early detection of adaptation difficulties and overall care in this population.
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