A rapid scoping review on operationalizing cognitive and social activities in research on dementia risk reduction

Engagement in cognitive and social activities may protect against dementia. However, insight into how to adequately measure activity engagement is a necessary precursor of science. This study explores (a) how cognitive and social activities are measured in research investigating protective activities against dementia, and (b) the extent to which preventive interventions promote activities that are operationalized in measurements.

A rapid scoping review was conducted on PubMed.

Across 58 studies, 38 had an observational design and predominantly used questionnaires to measure cognitive and social activities. A wide variety of items and themes were observed, including arts and crafts, social groups, exercise, games, outings, household tasks, education, music, multimedia use, reading, socializing, work or volunteering, and writing. There were considerable variations in item content, response scales, recall periods, and scoring methods. The 20 studies that reported on preventive interventions mainly focused on psychoeducation and (computerized) cognitive training, which do not fully align with activities measured in questionnaires.

Many researchers measure and promote cognitive and social activities but do this differently, leading to fragmented insights into which activities protect against dementia. Clarifying the concept and relevant aspects to measure would support the development of better measurements and interventions.