Association Between the Use of Information and Communication Technology Tools and Each Domain of Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the association between the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools, such as mobile voice calling, e-mail, and video calling, and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: For the 220 included participants aged ≥65 years, baseline surveys conducted from 2017 to 2018 assessed demographics. Additionally, cognitive function domains were evaluated using the Word List Memory Task, Trail Making Test, and Symbol Digit Substitution Task on a tablet PC. Later, in 2021, follow-up mail surveys assessed the use of ICT tools, including mobile voice calling, e-mail, and video calling. RESULTS: Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models revealed that a higher Symbol Digit Substitution Task score was significantly associated with the use of mobile voice calling (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.13), e-mail (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15), and video calling (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.003-1.09) after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings suggest that processing speed may be related to the use of the three ICT tools assessed in this study among community-dwelling older adults, regardless of tool type. The use of these ICT tools may be challenging for older adults with decreased processing speed. Therefore, preventive interventions should include early recognition of the decline in processing speed and implementation of strategies to compensate for reduced processing speed, such as simplifying processes and habituation procedures, to enable the use of ICT tools by older adults.