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Artistic activities, computer use decrease risk for mild cognitive impairment in elderly

Using the computer in late life and participating in artistic and craft activities in mid- and late life decreased risk for mild cognitive impairment among individuals aged 85 to 89 years in a study published in the journal Neurology.

Rosebud Roberts, MB, ChB, MS, of the divisions of epidemiology and the department of neurology at Mayo Clinic, and colleagues used self-reports and medical records to assess lifestyle factors in mid- and late life, vascular and comorbid conditions, cognitive health and depressive symptoms among 256 patients aged 85 to 89 years. Assessments were conducted at baseline and then every 15 months to determine any mild cognitive impairments (MCI).

MCI was associated with APOE E4 allele, hypertension in mid- and late life, depressive symptoms, increased or increasing Charleston Comorbidity Index (CCI) and vascular disease burden.

Depressive symptoms increased risk for amnestic MCI, while social activity in mid- and late life decreased risk.

APOE E4 allele, diabetes or hypertension in mid- and late life, increasing CCI score and increasing vascular disease burden were significant predictors of non-amnestic MCI. Risk for non-amnestic MCI was reduced by computer use in late life and increasing gait speed.

MCI was associated with depressive symptoms and higher CCI scores among men, according to bivariate analysis. Among women, MCI was associated with hypertension and diabetes in mid- and late life and increasing vascular disease burden.

Risk for MCI was reduced by engaging in crafts and artistic activities in mid- and late life and computer use in late life, according to bivariate analysis.

Study participants who never participated in cognitively stimulating activities had greater average declines in Functional Activities Questionnaire scores, memory and executive function scores compared with participants who did engage in cognitively stimulating activity.

“Our findings suggest that strategies to reduce risk of MCI in the oldest old should include prevention and efficient management of vascular and other chronic diseases earlier in life. These nonpharmacologic interventions may have greatest benefit when initiated early and maintained. Furthermore, these efforts should begin in young adulthood or midlife, and should persist throughout late life,” Roberts and colleagues concluded. – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Roberts reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.