Is Cognitive Function in the Elderly Associated with Activities in Daily Life?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cognitive function in the elderly and various common activities. Participants were 92 community-dwelling elderly over 65 years. The new Stroop test II was used to measure cognitive function (information-processing speed and attention). Three domains of activities of daily life (physical, social and cultural activity) were examined. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that physical activity was associated with cognitive function (attention) and cultural activity was also associated with cognitive function (information-processing speed). In addition, analysis of variance indicated that participants who engaged in three activities had improved cognitive function in comparison to participants who engaged in only one activity. Findings suggest that activities of daily life may play an important role to protect against cognitive decline associated with aging.