Correlation between Physical Activity and Depression, Perceived Health, Physical Function, and Quality of Life in Older Women with Mild Cognitive Impairment

While the beneficial effects of PA on the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals are recognized, there has been little focus on its effects on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the correlations between physical activity (PA) and depression, perceived health, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) among older women with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

This study employed a descriptive-correlation design. The statistical population comprised women with MCI (scoring 21 to 24 on the Mini–Mental State Examination) over 65 years residing in nursing homes in Tehran, Iran in 2023. The sample of this study consisted of 334 women (mean age=69.12±3.68) with MCI who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Standard tools were utilized for measuring PA, depression, balance, muscle strength, and QoL, respectively. Perceived health status was assessed using one item. Pearson correlation test and independent t-test were employed for data analysis.

The results showed that 66% of the entire sample suffered from depression. The participants engaged, on average, in 14.69 minutes of moderate physical activity (MPA) per day. Only 22% of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines of 30 minutes of MPA daily. It was found that higher MPA was significantly correlated with lower depression (P<0.001) and higher perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001). On the other hand, higher sedentary time was significantly correlated with higher depression (P<0.001) and lower perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001).

The results suggested that strategies to improve health-oriented PA status in the elderly with MCI are necessary. In this regard, it is especially recommended that nurses plan recreational physical and sports activities for the elderly in groups or individually so that they can enjoy the benefits of PA.