Factors associated with life-space in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Aim: Restriction of life-space is associated with physical performance and functional decline in older adults. Little is known about the factors associated with life-space in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with life-space in older adults with aMCI. Methods: The study participants were 69 older adults (mean age 74.5 years, males 56.5%) who were identified with aMCI. Life-space mobility was measured using a Japanese translation of the life-space assessment (LSA). Age, sex, cognitive function (general function, executive function and processing speed), physical performance, instrumental activities of daily living status (IADL) and fear of falling (FoF) were measured as potential relevant factors. Results: Univariate analysis showed that the LSA was associated with FoF, sex, physical performance, processing speed and IADL. In the stepwise regression analysis, FoF, processing speed and IADL maintained a significant association with the LSA scores, although sex and physical performance did not reach significance. Conclusion: The results suggest that the restrictions of life-space in older adults with aMCI were more affected by the FoF, slower processing speed and restricted IADL than sex or physical performance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 161-166.