Cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease: Impact of spirituality, religiosity, and QOL

Yakir Kaufman, David Anaki, Malcolm Binns, Morris Freedman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

88 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess effects of quality of life (QOL), spirituality, and religiosity on rate of progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: In this longitudinal study, we recruited 70 patients with probable AD. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to monitor the rate of cognitive decline. Religiosity and spirituality were measured using standardized scales that assess spirituality, religiosity, and organizational and private religious practices. We conducted a simultaneous multiple linear regression analysis for factors contributing to rate of cognitive decline. RESULTS: After controlling for baseline level of cognition, age, sex, and education, a slower rate of cognitive decline was associated with higher levels of spirituality (p < 0.05) and private religious practices (p < 0.005). These variables accounted for 17% of the total variance [F(11,58) = 2.24, p < 0.05]. There was no correlation between rate of cognitive decline and QOL. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of spirituality and private religious practices, but not quality of life, are associated with slower progression of Alzheimer disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1509-1514
Number of pages6
JournalNeurology
Volume68
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2007
Externally publishedYes

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