Estilos de vida y riesgo de deterioro cognitivo: Estudio Transversal en adultos mayores

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and social participation, influence the risk of cognitive impairment. However, evidence in older adults from rural areas of Ecuador is limited. Objective: To analyze lifestyle behavior patterns and their association with cognitive decline in older adults from rural communities in the canton of Cuenca. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 316 older adults from the rural parishes of Sinincay, Ricaurte, and El Valle (Cuenca, Ecuador), selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Lifestyle patterns were identified through latent class analysis, and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. The association between these two variables was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Three lifestyle classes were identified: High Control–High Engagement (44.6%), High Control–Low Engagement (48.1%), and Low Control–Low Engagement (7.3%). The High control–High engagement group showed a lower risk of cognitive decline. In men, belonging to the High Control–Low Engagement class was associated with a higher probability of cognitive decline (OR = 17.0; 95% CI: 2.13–135.7). Conclusions: Low participation in physical and social activities was associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline. Community interventions that promote active aging and social participation are needed, especially among rural men. Keywords: lifestyle behaviors; cognitive dysfunction; cognitive impairment; older adults; rural population.