A change in social activity affect cognitive function in middle-aged and older Koreans: analysis of a Korean longitudinal study on aging (2006-2012)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between a changes in social activity and cognitive function in Koreans aged 45?years or older.

METHODS: Data were obtained from 6076 participants aged 45?years and older included in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2012). Cognitive function was measured using the mini-mental state examination-Korean version (MMSE-K). Participation in social activities was classified as ""consistent participation,"" ""consistent non-participation,"" ""participation to non-participation,"" and ""non-participation to participation."" Linear mixed models were used to investigate the relationship between type of social activity (religious organizations, friendship organizations, leisure/culture/sports clubs, family or school reunion, volunteering work, and political organizations), and cognitive function.

RESULTS: Individuals who reported ""no participation to participation"" (b?=?0.778, p?<?0.0001) and ""consistent participation"" (b?=?0.968, p?<?0.0001) were more likely to show reduced cognitive decline than those who reported ""consistent non-participation"" (p?<?0.0001 for trend). The positive association between cognitive function and consistent participation in religious activities, friendship organizations, and family/school reunions was particularly strong (b?=?0.325, p?<?0.0001; b?=?0.570, p?<?0.0001; b?=?0.234, p?=?0.0004; respectively, versus consistent non-participation).

CONCLUSIONS: Promotion of participation in religious organizations, friendship organizations, and family/school reunions (only for older persons) may help preserve cognitive function in individuals aged 45?years or older in Korea.