Abstract
Cognitive decline impacts older adults, particularly their independence. The goal of this project was to increase understanding of how short-term, everyday lifestyle options, including physical activity, help an older adult sustain cognitive independence. Using a secondary analysis of lifestyle choices, we drew on a dataset of 4,620 community-dwelling elders in the US, assessed at baseline and one year later using 2 valid and reliable tools, the interRAI Community Health Assessment and the interRAI Wellness tool. Decline or no decline on the Cognitive Performance Scale was the dependent variable. We examined sustaining one's status on this measure over a one-year period in relation to key dimensions of wellness through intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual variables. Engaging in physical activity, formal exercise, and specific recreational activities had a favorable effect on short-term cognitive decline. Involvement with computers, crossword puzzles, handicrafts, and formal education courses also were protective factors. The physical and intellectual domains of wellness are prominent aspects in protection from cognitive decline. Inherent in these two domains are mutable factors suitable for targeted efforts to promote older adult health and well-being.
Highlights
Cognitive decline is the most feared consequence of aging [1]
Seventy-nine percent had a Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS) of zero, 91% were independent in decision making, 84% had no problem with short-term memory, and 92% could fully understand others with whom they communicated
The average CPS score declined by 1.9 points and of these persons 33% went down by one point, 49% by two points, and 18% by three or more points
Summary
Cognitive decline is the most feared consequence of aging [1]. The loss of the ability to think clearly and process information correctly may change how older adults interface with almost all aspects of their environment, thereby impacting their independence and self-perception. “Physical fitness” and “brain fitness” solutions have emerged as potentially valuable strategies for maintaining and improving cognitive functioning among older adults [7] The goal of this project is to better understand how the short-term, everyday lifestyle options available to an older adult help to sustain cognitive independence as assessed by the widely used Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS) [8]. This scale is grounded on the person’s ability to plan everyday tasks and to engage in meaningful communication with others. The dimensions assessed by the CPS are quite relevant to older adults’ continued control over everyday activities
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