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Cognitive functioning, subjective memory complaints and risky behaviour predict minor home injuries in elderly
Giuseppina Spano1, Alessandro O Caffò2, Andrea Bosco2
1Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Crisanzio 42, 70122, Bari, Italy. giuseppina.spano@uniba.it.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|November 29, 2017
Summary
Risky behavior in older adults with memory complaints may increase home accident risk. Assessing cognition and behavior is key for prevention strategies in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Home accidents are a significant cause of mortality, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly.
- Understanding predictors of home injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subjective memory complaints, cognitive functioning, and risky behavior as predictors of home injuries in healthy Italian older adults.
- To examine the mediating role of risky behavior in the relationship between cognitive function and home injuries.
Main Methods:
- 133 community-dwelling older adults in Southern Italy participated.
- Cognitive function, subjective memory complaints, and risky behavior were assessed.
- Home injuries were recorded over one year via monthly telephone interviews. Path analysis was used.
Main Results:
- Path analysis confirmed that cognitive functioning and subjective memory complaints directly influence risky behavior and home accidents.
- Risky behavior did not act as a mediator between cognitive functioning and home accidents.
Conclusions:
- Risky behavior is a potential risk factor for home accidents in cognitively intact older adults experiencing subjective memory complaints.
- Assessing both cognitive function and behavior in the elderly is vital for preventing home accidents.
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