Cognitive function and its determinants in elderly Indonesians residing in long-term care: Insights from a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study explores factors affecting cognitive function in elderly Indonesians living in long-term care facilities.

Contribution

The study identifies specific risk factors like education, memory complaints, and alcohol intake linked to cognitive performance in elderly Indonesians.

Findings

Higher education is associated with better cognitive function.

Subjective memory complaints are linked to poorer cognitive performance.

Alcohol intake is strongly correlated with impaired cognitive function.

Abstract

Multiple medical conditions arising from reduced physical and physiological functioning, including cognitive decline, manifest in older persons. This study aims to examine the relationship between cognitive function and associated risk factors in older persons living in long-term care facilities in Indonesia.

This study involved 350 elderly individuals residing in long-term care institutions. A cross-sectional design utilizing an analytical survey methodology was implemented. Data were gathered via interviews employing a demographic questionnaire and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 23).

Univariate analysis demonstrated significant correlations between cognitive performance and gender, ethnicity, level of education, medical history, subjective memory issues, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, and employment history (p < 0.05). Higher education (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56–0.84) and reduced subjective memory complaints (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20–0.44) correlated positively with enhanced cognitive function, but alcohol intake (OR = 6.79, 95% CI: 2.42–19.1) correlated with impaired cognitive function.

the level of education, subjective memory complaints, and alcohol intake are substantially correlated with cognitive performance in older persons residing in long-term care facilities. Evaluating demographic characteristics in elderly individuals can assist healthcare professionals in the early detection of cognitive impairment, facilitating prompt interventions in long-term care environments.