Abstract
Purpose
Developing quantitative indicators of daily life that can detect subtle cognitive decline is a significant challenge in the growing population of older adults worldwide. In this multifaceted survey conducted on active older adults, we aimed to explore novel indicators associated with subtle abnormalities in brief dementia screening tests.
Methods
Data were collected from 35 older adults who were not certified for long-term care or diagnosed with cognitive impairment using questionnaires, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), body composition measurements, sleep apnoea testing, activity monitoring, motor function assessments, blood tests, and nutrient analyses. Of the 89 factors examined in this study, several less invasive indicators for cognitive impairment were identified using Spearman’s correlation analysis, two-group comparison, and multiple linear regression model analysis.
Results
An elevated minimum pulse rate during sleep emerged as the most significant non-invasive marker correlated with both MMSE scores and the classification of cognitive impairment risk (mild cognitive impairment or dementia).
Conclusion
These findings could expedite further research into early cognitive decline detection among older adults and facilitate early intervention.