Occupational complexity of paid work and housework, and its impact on the cognitive performance in community dwelling older adults, preliminary results

FELDBER, C; BARREYRO, J.; QUIAN, R.; HERMIDA, P.; OFMAN, D.; IRRAZABAL, N; TARTAGLINI, M. F.; SERRANO, C.

Dementia & Neuropsychologia

Brazilian Academy of Neurology

Año: 2023

Work and activity could be an important source of cognitive enrichment. Activities that are more challenging with respect to the cognitive functions that are put into play are associated with a lower risk of cognitive decrease in old age. Objective: The aim of the present study. is to assess the impact of occupational complexity and household tasks on three cognitive domains (verbal episodic memory, language, and executive functions) in older adults residing within the community. Methods: A trail analysis was executed, using the structural equations procedure (SEM) in 120 participants assed with: Main lifetime occupational activity and household tasks questionnaire, as well as neuropsychological assessment battery for memory, language and executive functions. Results: The regression weights analysis indicate that complexity in household chores shows moderate effects on executive functions (β=0.19; p=0.027) and that occupational complexity of paid work showed effects on memory (β=0.26; p=0.008), language (β=0.38; p