Leisure-activity participation to prevent later-life cognitive decline: a systematic review
Sammanfattning
Objective: A systematic literature review was conducted to characterise the current state of
knowledge concerning the definition, categorisation, and operationalisation of leisure activity in
studies examining its possible role in preventing later-life cognitive decline. Following PRISMA
guidelines for a systematic review, the study examined peer-reviewed empirical research
publications focused on leisure activity, cognitive decline, and prevention. Methods: Searches in the
PubMed/Medline reSEARCH, CINHAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsychoINFO, ERIC
Proquest, the Cochrane library, and PsycARTICLES databases for the years 2000 to 2011 identified
52 publications for inclusion. Results: The results are discussed and based on these findings are
further interpreted using the Model of Human Occupation, which focuses on key factors identified in
the review that are salient to associations between participation in leisure activities and prevention
of dementia. Conclusions: While the findings support a growing consensus that participation in
leisure activities might significantly contribute to prevention of dementia, it also identifies major
hindrances to progress. Important limitations detected include a lack of theoretical underpinnings,
and little consensus and standardisation in the measured key variables. The study reinforces the
critical need to overcome these limitations to enable health care professionals (e.g. occupational
therapists) to make evidence-based recommendations for increased participation in activities as a
means of promoting health and preventing cognitive decline.