Stress and Coping in Older persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Thailand is rapidly transitioning into an aging society, with individuals aged 60 years and above accounting for 20.99% of the total population. This has resulted in increased attention to health problems, particularly Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which can progress to dementia if not properly managed. Stress has been identified as a factor that increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, due to the decline in cognitive functions, including memory, reasoning, planning, problem-solving, attention (such as being very easily distracted), language, and visual depth perception. Numerous studies have indicated that stress plays a significant role in the deterioration of brain function, especially through elevated cortisol levels that affect the hippocampus, which is associated with memory and learning. Furthermore, older persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment often exhibit maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance or emotional venting, rather than problem-focused coping. The factors associated with stress and coping among older persons with mild cognitive impairment consist of 5 factors: 1) personal factors (e.g., female gender, widowhood, chronic diseases), 2) physiological factors (e.g., high cortisol levels from chronic stress), 3) psychological and emotional factors (e.g., anxiety from loss), 4) social stigma associated with dementia, and 5) the use of psychoactive substances or medications. These factors collectively accelerate the progression of cognitive decline. This article aims to present content on stress and coping, along with related factors in older persons with mild cognitive impairment. the role of nurses in assessing, promoting, and supporting effective stress coping among the older persons can help delay cognitive decline and improve long-term quality of life.