Association of perceived stress with working memory, visuospatial and global cognitive function in elderly Egyptians.

Document Type : Original Article

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Geriatrics and Gerontology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University

Abstract

Background: Although stress has been associated with poor cognitive function, few studies have examined the correlation between perceived stress and cognitive decline in older adults.
Objective: To assess the association of perceived stress with global cognitive function, visuospatial and working memory at Ain Shams University hospitals.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 104 elderly attending outpatient clinics and the in-patient department at Ain Shams University Hospital. Demographic data of the participants were collected. Perceived stress scale, MOCA-Basic test, digit backward test and stick design test were taken. Excluded were patients with dementia, depression, organic brain lesions and those using psychiatry drugs.
Results: Global cognitive function was assessed by MOCA-B with a mean score of 21.4 ± 1.99. Most of the participants had moderate levels of stress 54.8% and 41.3% had high levels of stress. There was a statistically significant negative effect of stress on the cognitive functions of participants (P value <0.001).
Conclusion: High stress levels are significantly associated with a decline in cognitive function.

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