Predictors of neurocognitive performance in a large sample of Argentine older adults

Introduction: Neurocognitive decline is one of the main negative changes associated with aging. Various factors appear to influence the magnitude of this decline. The objective of the study was to analyze the demographic, medical and lifestyle variables that predict better or worse neurocognitive performance in the older adult population. Subjects and methods: The sample consisted of 816 Argentine older adults (age M 66.9; 74.3% women) from the general population (non-clinical). It was a non-probabilistic, intentional sampling. Participants were evaluated using two instruments, the Folstein Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a questionnaire for demographic, medical, and other variables related to lifestyle. Data analysis included Student's t-test, Bonferroni-corrected multiple comparison ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression. Results: Nine factors explained 23.3% of the variance of the MMSE score (F 9.79 = 28.01, p < 0.00). Frequent mental calculations, smartphone use, computer use, frequent intellectual games, and more formal education predicted better neurocognitive performance. On the contrary, having suffered strokes, suffering from diabetes, taking chronic medication and being older all predicted poorer neurocognitive performance. Conclusions: Nine factors demonstrate predictive capacity on neurocognitive performance in a large sample of Argentine older adults. Based on the results obtained, recommendations and practical guidelines are offered for the optimization of neurocognitive performance and primary prevention of dementias.