Evaluation of relationship between physical, social, mental activities with cognitive functions at people age of sixty- five and older

Filiz KARAKUŞ, M.D, Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of the Family Medicine, İzmir- Turkey. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between leisure activities and cognitive functions in elderly. Method: In this cross-sectional analytic study, 250 people at the age of sixty-five and older and living in a nursing home in Narlidere, Izmir were selected randomly. The standardized mini-mental test for cognitive function, activity questionnaire and a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics were performed on participants. Results: Participants with female gender, older age, low education level had higher cognitive impairment (p<0,05). Housewives and who did not have a regular job in the past had also higher cognitive impairment (p<0,05). Participants who have coronary artery disease (p = 0.008) and use anticoagulant therapy had less cognitive impairment (p = 0.010). There was no relationship between physical activity and cognitive functions. A significant correlation was found between social and mental activity with cognitive functions. Conclusion: Participation in social and mental activities may play an important role in preventing cognitive impairment. Redirecting of older people to active lifestyle changes may be one of the important tasks at primary care.