Characteristics and Factors Associated with Cognitive Decline of Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the factors related to cognitive function decline by comparing the characteristics of the cognitive function maintenance and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Methods: Individuals were divided into a cognitive function maintenance group and an MCI group based on changes in cognitive function, and their general characteristics were compared. In the next step, we selected the same number of samples from both groups and then compared the characteristics related to MCI. Finally, factors related to cognitive decline were identified in the MCI group. Results: At the time of the 8th survey, when cognitive function changes occurred, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and CES-D-10 scores in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the cognitive function maintenance group. In addition, participation in social activities, regular exercise practice, and drinking were significantly less frequent in the MCI group than in the cognitive function maintenance group. Therefore, ADL, CES-D-10 (Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, 10-item version), quality of life (QoL) score, social activity participation, regular exercise, and drinking were derived as factors highly related to MCI. Conclusions: Because the factors related to MCI presented in this study mainly affect cognitive decline over a long period, not only older individuals but also middle-aged subjects should be managed as a precaution. In addition, among the identified factors related to MCI, participation in social activities and regular exercise have a positive effect on improving cognitive function and reducing dementia risk factors in older individuals. Therefore, dementia prevention education and rules that include these two elements should be promoted.