Predictive factors of cognitive impairment in people over 60

Abstract Objective To determine the relationship of depressive symptoms, sleep hygiene, nutritional status and gait speed with cognitive impairment in people over 60 years. Method Cross-sectional, correlational design with a non-probability convenience sampling. The population was made up of people over 60 years of age belonging to recreational stays in an urban area of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Criterion measures included three neuropsychological tests (Stroop Test, Trail Making Test and Digit Span Subtest) the Geriatric Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Mini Nutritional Assessment and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Results The final sample was of 108 participants. Regarding the influence of risk factors to predict cognitive impairment a significant model was observed (F = 12.914, gl = 4, P ≥ .001), showing a variance explained of 33.4%, where depressive symptoms (β = .205, P = .048), sleep (β = −.322, P = .001), nutritional status (β = −.336, P = .001) and gait speed (β = .244, P = .004) were associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusions High levels of depressive symptoms, prolonged sleep duration, a malnutrition status and a slow gait speed predict cognitive impairment of the people over 60 years, this provides knowledge for the implementation of interventions aimed at preventing the risk factors that predict cognitive decline in order to delay its appearance.