Prevalence of cognitive impairment in urban elderly population and its association with their physical activity

Background: Cognitive deterioration is a part of normal physiological aging, but not everyone goes through a cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment (CI) ranges from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where mild cognitive impairment is a risk factor for dementia and is a transition between normal cognition and dementia. Therefore diagnosis of cognitive impairment at the early stage and earlyintervention is very crucial in order to delay dementia. Few studies shown that the delay can be achieved by a tailored exercise program and physical activity. Aim of the study: To determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and to evaluate its association with their physical activity level in the elderly population of urban Bangalore. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with sample size 175 older adults with 60 years and above. MoCA and PASE was administered and data was collected. Data analysis: Demographic data was summarized as the percentage for categorical variables and as median and IQ range for ordinal and non-normal continuous variables. Prevalence was described in percentage. Association between cognitive impairment and physical activity was assessed using Chi Square Test. Result: Data was analysed and found that prevalence of cognitive impairment in the elderly population of urban Bangalore was 58.9%. A significant association was found between cognitive impairment and physical activity (P=<0.01 with 95% CI).Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in the elderly population of urban Bangalore and it is strongly associated with the level of their physicalactivity