Baseline mild cognitive impairment was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of disengagement from health checkup programs over 5 years (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.13-12.56; P=0.03).
Cohort (n=360)
Does baseline mild cognitive impairment increase the likelihood of disengagement from health checkup programs in community-dwelling older adults?
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly with deficits in attention and processing speed, are significantly more likely to disengage from longitudinal health checkup programs.
Effect estimate: OR 3.76 (95% CI 1.13-12.56)
p-value: p=0.03
ABSTRACT Background: The aging of the global population stresses the importance of health programs that promote cognitive, physical, and social functioning in older adults. Health checkup programs aim to address these needs, yet disengagement remains a significant challenge, particularly among those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined the association between baseline cognitive function and continued participation in health checkup programs over 5 years among community-dwelling older adults. Objectives: To examine associations between baseline cognitive domains and continued participation in community health check-up programs among older adults. Methods: Data collected between 2017 and 2019 in the Widely Hokkaido Individual Training for Elderly study, a longitudinal cohort comprising 428 adults aged 65 years and older, were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Functional Assessment Tool. Cognitive domains assessed included memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. The relationship between baseline cognitive function and follow-up participation in the health checkup program was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression and comparative analyses. Results: Of the 360 participants included, 13.6% had MCI at baseline. Over 5 years, 57% of participants were lost to follow-up, with baseline MCI associated with a significantly high likelihood of disengagement (odds ratio, 3.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–12.56; P = 0.03). Among cognitive domains, attention and processing speed showed significant associations with continued follow-up availability. Conclusion: Older adults with MCI are more likely to disengage from health checkup programs, with attention and processing speed emerging as critical factors influencing follow-up retention. Targeted interventions, including cognitive support and caregiver involvement, are essential to sustaining participation and promoting better health outcomes among older adults.
Shimokihara et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Mild cognitive impairment (n=360). Baseline mild cognitive impairment vs. Normal cognitive function was evaluated on Disengagement from health checkup programs (lost to follow-up) (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.13-12.56, p=0.03). Baseline mild cognitive impairment was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of disengagement from health checkup programs over 5 years (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.13-12.56; P=0.03).