Association of leisure activity changes and reversion from mild cognitive impairment to normal cognitive function among older adults: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundOlder adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have the possibility of reverting to normal cognitive function. Leisure activity engagement (LAE) plays a critical role in the progress of the cognitive function. A better understanding of the dynamic relationship between LAE and MCI reversion would inform the implementation of preclinical dementia interventions. This study aimed to investigate the association between change patterns of LAE and MCI reversion among older adults using the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) database.Study designLongitudinal population-based study.MethodsOlder adults with MCI at the baseline were enrolled in this study. Information about cognitive function, overall, cognitively stimulating, physically active/demanding, and socially engaged LAE was collected at baseline and follow-up. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for reversion and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by Cox hazard models with time as the underlying time metric. We also assessed potential effect modifications by creating a cross-product of the stratifying variable with LAE change patterns in the fully adjusted model.ResultsThe restricted cubic spline showed that the association between LAE change scores and MCI reversion rate was statistically significant and nonlinear (p<0.01). Taking participants in the low–low group as a reference, participants in the low–medium, low–high, medium–medium, medium–high, high–medium, and high–high groups had increased possibilities of MCI reversion with HRs (95% CI) of 2.19 (1.57–3.06), 2.97 (2.13–4.13), 0.87 (0.64–1.19), 2.28 (1.71–3.03), 2.78 (2.10–3.69), 1.93 (1.43–2.59), and 2.74 (2.09–3.60), respectively. Further stratified models showed that the impact of LAE change patterns on MCI reversion varied in different ages (nonagenarian, octogenarian, and younger elderly) and gender.ConclusionsParticipants who maintained the highest LAE had the greatest possibility of MCI reversion. Meanwhile, a higher level of LAE maintenance was associated with the increased possibility of MCI reversion. These results provide a practical message to older adults about how dynamic changes in LAE are associated with improved cognitive function.

Effects of leisure activities and general health on the survival of older people: a cohort study in China

“…The CLHLS utilized six items to measure the participation of older adults in leisure activities: housework, gardening, pet care, reading newspapers/books, playing cards/mahjong, and watching television/listening to the radio ( 17 ). Among these, the first three items belonged to PLA, whereas the latter three belonged to CLA ( 18 ). Each item was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale.…”

Association between Changes in Protein Intake and Risk of Cognitive Impairment: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Most prospective cohort studies only applied baseline measurements to predict the risk of cognitive impairment at follow-up [ 9 ], ignoring dynamic characteristics of protein intake over time, which could potentially introduce measurement errors. From a public health perspective, capturing changes in protein intake is critical because they reflect the risks associated with individuals making lifestyle changes [ 13 , 14 ]. No study to date has been conducted to investigate the association between change in protein intake and cognitive decline.…”