Influencing Factors of Cognitive Function in High-Risk Groups of Dementia in One Area: Focused on Elderly Living Alone

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzed the relationship between sociodemographic and physical health, mental health, living habit, and environment factor that affect cognitive function of elderly living alone in one area. Methods: This study were surveyed for 400 elderly living alone in one area, and the factors affecting cognitive function were analyzed through multiple regression analysis. Results: The demographic and cognitive function with difference were gender, age, education, economic activities, monthly living expense, leisure, visual, and auditory. The physical health, mental health, living habit, environment factor, and cognitive function with differences were balance, physical activity, frail, sarcopenia, and area. The factors affecting cognitive function was education, economic activities, monthly living expense, instrumental activities of daily living, and hope. Conclusion: This study identified the factors affecting the cognitive function of the elderly living alone, and the most influential factor was Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. This study is meaningful in developing the basis of a program to prevent and manage cognitive decline in the elderly living alone