Modifiable factors related to mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study using a propensity score-matched analysis

<p>【Aim】 This study aimed to determine the modifiable risk factors related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associations between combinations of those factors and MCI in community-dwelling older adults.【Methods】 This cross-sectional study included a total of 578 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) who had undergone health checkups and were divided into MCI (n = 289) and non-MCI (n = 289) groups. Non-MCI participants were selected through propensity score matching to balance age and gender. The modifiable factors related with MCI were determined and categorized based on those combinations using a decision tree analysis.【Results】 Weakness (grip strength < 28 kg for men, < 18 kg for women), poor sleep quality, and social inactivity (non-participate in regional events) were determined as and categorized based on combinations of those factors. The lowest prevalence rate of MCI was in the non-weakness and non-poor sleep quality group (37.7%) and the highest was in the weakness and social inactivity group (82.0%).【Conclusions】 The combinational status that maintained muscle strength and better sleep quality could be associated with a lower risk of cognitive deficits. However, older adults with weakness and social inactivity would have a greater risk of MCI. Maintenance of muscle strength, sleep quality, and social activity may be helpful in preventing cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults. When any of those factors decline, the other factors should be maintained for cognitive health.</p>