Loneliness, depression, and cognitive function among Iranian older adults: is gender important?

This study investigates the association between loneliness, depression, and cognitive function between two genders in older Iranian adults. This study was part of a community-based prospective cohort study of the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS). Individuals over 60 years of age (1224) and their families were assessed for loneliness, mood, cognitive function status, physical activity, and social contribution using specific and valid measures. Among the participants, 762 (62.3%) had cognitive impairment. Based on the findings of path analysis, the most critical determinants of cognitive dysfunction in older people were education (total effect = 0.57, P = 0.01), and depression (total effect = -0.15, P-value = 0.01). Physical activity and social participation during the life span could affect aged cognitive function, especially in women living in underdeveloped contexts. Reducing the onset or progress of depression and the prognosis of cognitive dysfunction could be investigated in longitudinal clinical research.