Cognitive performance in older adults across Europe based on the SHARE database

Abstract

With ageing mental health issues, as age-related cognitive decline, increase. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older European adults and to evaluate its association with clinical and sociodemographic variables, using SHARE. Numeracy, temporal orientation, verbal fluency, and memory were the measures used to evaluate cognitive performance. From 44 963 individuals included, mean age was 70.0±9.0 years old and 56.3% were female. Overall prevalence of impairment was of 13.0% (temporal orientation), 24.8% (numeracy), 27.6% (verbal fluency) and 50.5% (memory). Men showed higher impairment prevalence in temporal orientation and memory and lower in numeracy and verbal fluency. Age, fewer years of education, difficulties performing iADLs, physical inactivity, and poor self-perceived health were independently associated with impairment in all cognitive abilities. These results showed the burden of cognitive impairment across Europe. Factors identified as associated should be taken in consideration to develop effective interventions to prevent cognitive decline.

Keywords: Cognition, longevity; active healthy aging, memory; numeracy; temporal orientation; verbal fluency.