Objective:

Identify the factors associated with the cognitive vulnerability of older adults in three Colombian cities during 2016.

Materials and methods:

A quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with a primary source of information by surveying 1514 older adults living in the urban areas of Barranquilla, Medellín and Pasto. Two-stage probabilistic sampling was used. The cognitive condition of the adults in the sample was evaluated with the modified Mini Cognitive Exam. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes, statistical and epidemiological calculations, confidence intervals and statistical tests of less than 5% were performed.

Results:

The risk of cognitive deterioration was found in 5.1% of the sample in Medellín, 2.7% in Pasto and 1.7% in Barranquilla, predominantly among men between 75 and 89 years of age who are without a partner and have low levels of schooling. One hundred percent (100%) of those with cognitive impairment reported having no physical activity, 13% reported depression, and 7.7% indicated social support was scarce.

Conclusions:

The factors associated with cognitive vulnerability among older adults include demographic, social and lifestyle characteristics. It is important to consider these results when drafting health policies for the elderly population to redirect attention to the prevention of cognitive vulnerability.

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