The Effects of Perceived Stress on Cognition in the Community Elderly

지역사회 노인의 지각된 스트레스가 인지기능에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perceived stress on cognition in the community elderly. Methods: This was a descriptive study. Data were collected using individual-based interviews from 40 senior residents at the hall for the elderly in S City. The period of data collection was from June 19 to July 7, 2006. The tools of data collection were Mini-Mental State Examination (Folstein, Folstein, & McHugh, 1975) and Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983). Results: Cognition showed significant differences according to gender education, and regular exercise. Cognition was significantly correlated to stress and age. Stress was significantly correlated to orientation, recall, and attention/calculation. In the results of stepwise multiple regression, factors affecting cognition were stress, age, and gender. Conclusion: It is necessary to prepare health promotion programs that can reduce stress level in the community elderly.