A cross-sectional study on the factors related to cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cognitive decline and physical activity, sitting time, and social participation among elderly people living independently in a local community.

In January 2015, 1,133 independently-living elderly individuals from a local Japanese community completed self-administrated questionnaires. A total of 929 participants completed the questionnaire (valid response rate: 82.0%). A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between cognitive decline, physical activity, sitting time, and social participation. The factors related to cognitive decline were examined using three statistical models: (1) Model 1 was not adjusted for any factors; (2) Model 2 was adjusted for age, education level, smoking status, and drinking status; and (3) Model 3 was adjusted for the covariates in Model 2, plus depression.

Cognitive decline was observed in 33% of men and 26% of women. The results indicated that decreased social participation was significantly related to cognitive decline in Models 1 and 2. For men, local community activity and political/economic activity were significantly associated with cognitive decline in Models 1 and 2. Among women, physical activity was significantly related to cognitive decline in Model 1. There was also a significant association between social participation and cognitive decline in Models 1 and 2; decreased volunteer activity was significantly related to cognitive decline in all three models.

The results of the present study indicated that attending volunteer activities was significantly related to cognitive decline in women.