Factors associated with cognitive impairment in Latin American older adults: A cross-sectional observational study of COVID-19 confinement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The effects of COVID-19 confinement have been severe, espe-cially in older adults. Therefore, we analyzed the factors associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in Latin America (LA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with a total of 5245 older adults from 10 countries in LA. Measurement: We used the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) and the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8) scale. RESULTS: We found that age, depressive symptomatology, bone fractures, being wid-owed, having a family member with dementia, and unemployment were associated with an increased risk of CI. In contrast, higher education, hypertension with contin-uous treatment, quarantine, and keeping stimulating cognitive and physical activities were associated with a lower probability of CI. No significant association was found between suffering from diabetes or being retired and CI. DISCUSSION: It is essential to conduct follow-up studies on these factors, considering their relationship with CI and the duration of confinement.