Cognitive impairments among older adults in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

• Cognitive impairment is the most frequent issues older adults challenged on their everyday lives. • The prevalence of Cognitive impairment among older adults was 56.3% at 95% CI: (52.34–60.36). • A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. • Being older and illiterate are risks to develop Cognitive impairment Cognitive impairment refers to difficulties in concentration, memory, learning new skills, or decision-making those affect daily functioning. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, and to identify associated factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2023. A total of 591 participants were selected using a multistage cluster sampling technique. Variables with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), with a p-value < 0.05, were considered significantly associated with cognitive impairment The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults was 56.3% (95% CI: 52.34–60.36). Factors significantly associated with cognitive impairment included age >75 years (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.29–3.39), inability to read and write (AOR = 5.54, 95% CI: 2.51–12.23), primary education (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.85–4.95), depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.23–5.31), anxiety (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.44–3.13), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.05–4.11), hypertension (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.20–3.78), and functional limitation (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.09–4.19). The high prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in Bahir Dar highlights the urgent need to prioritize it as a public health concern.