The Impact of Loneliness in Older Adults Presenting with Memory Impairment: A Single-Center Experience

Authors : Elif Sarıca Darol, Seda Göger

Pages : 202-213

Doi:10.31832/smj.1448484

View : 64 | Download : 100

Publication Date : 2024-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: Memory impairment may be the first sign of an amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or geriatric depression. Loneliness hurts consciousness and mood in the elderly population. This study aimed to investigate the impact of loneliness on possible MCI and depressive symptoms in older adults with memory impairment. Method: The data of this cross-sectional study was collected from a single center in Sakarya. Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT), geriatric depression, and loneliness scales were applied to 120 older adults who met the inclusion criteria. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis were used to determine possible risk factors of MCI and depression. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: MCI was observed in 41.7%, and geriatric depression in 56.7% of participant. The variables of income level, low education status, loneliness were identified as risk factors for depression (p=0.011, p=0.021, p=0.000 respectively). There was no correlation between the loneliness scores and possible MCI (p=0.173). In addition, age and gender variables are risk factors for mild cognitive impairment, and the risk decreases as age decreases (p=0.004, p=0.033 respectively ). Social loneliness scores were higher in women than men (p=0.015). Conclusion: Loneliness in multi-cultural aging population is perceived in different ways between genders. There is no clear evidence that loneliness has a potential impact on MCI. In geriatric depression, social and emotional loneliness; may be considered risk factors. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating depression screening and management into routine care for lonely older adults especially woman subgroup.
Keywords : Loneliness, Elderly, Gender, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Depressive Symptoms