Factors associated with cognitive impairment in Latin American older adults: A cross-sectional observational study of COVID-19 confinement

Ramos-Henderson M.; Soto-Añari M.; Herrera-Pino J.; Porto M.F.; Camargo L.; Hesse H.; Ferrel-Ortega R.; Quispe-Ayala C.; de la Cadena C.G.; Mendoza-Ruvalcaba N.; Caldichoury N.; Castellanos C.; Varón C.; Aguilar D.; Antezana R.; Martinez J.; Román N.; Boza C.; Ducassou A.; Saldías C.; López N. · Alzheimer's and Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring (2023) · DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12427

Resumen

INTRODUCTION: The effects of COVID-19 confinement have been severe, espe-cially in older adults. Therefore, we analyzed the factors associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in Latin America (LA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with a total of 5245 older adults from 10 countries in LA. Measurement: We used the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) and the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8) scale. RESULTS: We found that age, depressive symptomatology, bone fractures, being wid-owed, having a family member with dementia, and unemployment were associated with an increased risk of CI. In contrast, higher education, hypertension with contin-uous treatment, quarantine, and keeping stimulating cognitive and physical activities were associated with a lower probability of CI. No significant association was found between suffering from diabetes or being retired and CI. DISCUSSION: It is essential to conduct follow-up studies on these factors, considering their relationship with CI and the duration of confinement.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica; Universidad Católica San Pablo