Akbayrak, E., Powell, P.A. orcid.org/0000-0003-1169-3431, Tunc, N. et al. (1 more author) (2025) The relationship between subjective cognitive decline and cognitive leisure activity engagement: A systematic review. The Gerontologist, 65 (2). gnae176. ISSN 0016-9013
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a common experience of self-perceived decline without objective cognitive impairment. It has been theorised that SCD is associated with participation in cognitive leisure activities (CLA), but the evidence base is multifarious and unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize current evidence to determine the association between SCD and CLA engagement.
Research Design and Methods
Systematic searches were conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (last searched April 2023). Data were extracted against a priori inclusion criteria and synthesized narratively using Synthesis without Meta-Analysis guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Reporting follows PRISMA guidelines.
Results
From 4447 records, 11 articles were included. Due to study heterogeneity, evidence on SCD and CLA association is inconclusive. While a modest correlation was found between greater engagement in CLA and fewer reports of SCD, the heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, particularly in those addressing only perceived memory decline and CLA engagement, challenges definitive conclusions on this relationship. Evidence from mixed-method and qualitative studies indicated that perceived memory decline may cause negative feelings, such as shame and frustration, which may influence participating in CLA.
Discussion and Implications
These findings suggest that participation in CLA is moderately associated with, and may act protectively against, SCD. However, establishing a directional or causal relationship between CLA participation and SCD outcomes requires further investigation through longitudinal and/or interventional studies.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial reproduction and distribution of the work, in any medium, provided the original work is not altered or transformed in any way, and that the work is properly cited. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com. |
Keywords: | Cognitive activity engagement; memory; subjective cognitive decline; systematic review |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Medicine and Population Health |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 11 Dec 2024 15:29 |
Last Modified: | 30 Jan 2025 16:45 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/geront/gnae176 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:220457 |