Risk factors and predictors of cognitive impairment in older adults: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Purpose

a) to estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment, b) to identify odd ratio and risk ratio of CI from demographic, systemic illness, and hearing-related factors, and c) to determine the association and predict the CI from demographic, systemic illness, and hearing-related factors.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 1062 older adults attending the Geriatric Wellness Clinic at the JSS Hospital between 2023 and 2024. Data were reviewed from participant case files, documenting demographics such as systemic illnesses (diabetes mellitus, Hypertension), age, gender, education level, and socioeconomic status. Hearing ability was assessed using a hearing screening questionnaire and audiometric testing. Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), categorizing participants into normal, mild, moderate, or severe cognitive impairment.

Results

The prevalence of cognitive impairment among participants was 60.07 %, with those over 65 showing the highest rate at 46.52 %. Systemic illnesses like Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension increased the risk, especially when both were present (74.1 %). Higher educational attainment served as a protective factor, while lower socioeconomic status was linked to a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment. Demographic and hearing-related variables influenced cognitive impairment risk, with only a few demographic variables predicting its severity.

Conclusion

This study highlights the high prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults and emphasizes its significant association with demographic, systemic illness, and hearing-related factors.