What Could Aid in Slowing Down Cognitive Function?

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess the relationship between cognitive function, physical activity level, nutritional and depression status in the elderly. Materials and Methods. A total of 200 individuals (≥ 65 years) were included in the study. General characteristics of the individuals, biochemical findings, nutritional habits, 24-hour physical activity level and food consumption records were assessed. Cognitive function and depression status were screened by the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (S-MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), respectively. Results. Thirty-eight (19%) of the 200 individuals were diagnosed with dementia. On the evaluation of all the individuals, moderate and statistically significant negative correlation (r=-0.558, p < 0.01) was found between the S-MMSE and GDS-SF values. In addition, a moderate and statistically significant positive correlation was found between the S-MMSE and physical activity level values (r=0.553, p < 0.01). Vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and zinc intakes were lower in women than in men (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed that the vitamin B3 and calcium intakes were below the recommended daily intake in both the genders. Conclusions. Proper nutritional treatment and increasing the levels of physical activity may aid in slowing down the progression of dementia.

Keywords

• cognitive function
• physical activity
• depression
• nutritional status