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The Role of Functional Deficits, Depression, and Cognitive Symptoms in the Perceived Loneliness of Older Adults in Mexico City

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Belén Ramírez López

    (Mexican Institute of Social Security, Morelos Psychiatry Hospital, San Pedro el Chico, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07450, Mexico)

  • Yaneth Rodríguez-Agudelo

    (Research Division, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery MVS, Mexico City 14269, Mexico)

  • Francisco Paz-Rodríguez

    (Research Division, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery MVS, Mexico City 14269, Mexico)

  • Silvia Aracely Tafoya

    (Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico)

  • Benjamín Guerrero López

    (Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico)

  • Claudia Diaz Olavarrieta

    (Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico)

Abstract

The world is aging and experiencing loneliness. Functional impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older people (OP) with mild neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) predicts loneliness. After the pandemic, there was an increase in perceived loneliness. We explored the association between loneliness, depression, deficits in IADL, and cognitive symptoms among OP. From February to December 2023, using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed probable cases with mild cognitive impairment and caregivers in two public facilities. We administered the UCLA Loneliness Scale v3, Lawton IADL Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Yesavage’s Geriatric Depression Scale. Samples were matched: 85 per group, 82.4% were women, married (52.95%), and mean age of 69.17 (±6.93) years. In our study, 30% displayed moderate to high levels of perceived loneliness. Multivariate analysis showed loneliness was associated with depression, low levels of IADL, and older age, but not with cognitive symptoms, which explained 22% of the total variance (F 165) = 16.99, ( p < 0.001). Targeting symptoms and behaviors that could be modified (i.e., depression and functionality) can improve feelings of perceived loneliness and have an impact on morbidity and mortality with which it is associated.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Belén Ramírez López & Yaneth Rodríguez-Agudelo & Francisco Paz-Rodríguez & Silvia Aracely Tafoya & Benjamín Guerrero López & Claudia Diaz Olavarrieta, 2024. "The Role of Functional Deficits, Depression, and Cognitive Symptoms in the Perceived Loneliness of Older Adults in Mexico City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-10, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:977-:d:1443318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Vespa & Roberta Spatuzzi & Paolo Fabbietti & Mirko Di Rosa & Anna Rita Bonfigli & Andrea Corsonello & Pisana Gattafoni & Maria Velia Giulietti, 2023. "Association between Sense of Loneliness and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Multimorbidity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, February.
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