Influencing factors for episodic memory in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly taking health check-ups in Chongqing

Abstract

Objective To explore the level of episodic memory and analyze its influencing factors for the community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly adults who taking physical examination in communities of Chongqing. Methods A total of 202 middle-aged and elderly adults (aged ≥45 years) residing in 5 communities of Shapingba District, Chongqing, who took free health check-ups in community health service centers were subjected by convenient sampling from March to October 2021. Auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) Chinese version was used to assess their episodic memory, and a self-designed general information questionnaire and Dementia Risk Reduction Lifestyle Scale were used to investigate the possible influencing factors. The episodic memory was described statistically, the possible influencing factors were tested by single factor analysis, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results The AVLT total score was 32.54±10.11, and 27 (13.4%) participants suffered from impaired episodic memory. After screening variables by single factor and correlation analysis, multiple linear regression showed that age (B=-3.562, P=0.001), educational level (B=2.374, P=0.007), experience of receiving dementia knowledge education (B=4.451, P=0.001) and mental activity (B=1.682, P=0.001) were independent influencing factors of episodic memory. Conclusion There are many modifiable risk factors influencing episodic memory in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly adults in Chongqing communities. Dementia related health education and mental activity intervention may be the key measures to improve episodic memory in this population.

Keywords

• episodic memory
• middle-aged and elderly adults
• influencing factor