Cognitive Function among the Elderly and Its Correlated Factors

Min, Hye Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to find out the degree of cognitive function among the elderly and to confirm its correlated factors.
METHODS
The subjects consisted of 392 elderly people over the age 65 who were living in Busan. Data were collected by the interview method, using a structured questionnaire and the K-MMSE scale.
RESULTS
The average points of the elderly's cognitive functions measured by K-MMSE were 23.76(+/-4.02). With the cut-off point for cognitive impairment set as 24 points below using K-MMSE scale, 38.8% of the subjects have cognitive impairments. Among the variables related to cognitive functions, literacy showed the highest correlation with cognitive function(beta=.330, t=7.249, p<.001), followed in order by educational level, age, depression level, attendance of elderly's college, and religious activity. The total explanatory power of these variables is 36%.
CONCLUSION
In order to prevent cognitive impairment among the elderly, elderly people have to maintain social relationships continuously, and expand the social network by participating in the related programs. Some efforts to prevent the occurrence of depression and to stimulate patients' brain activity need to be recommended.