Association Between Daily Mode of Transportation and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background Changes in mode of transportation, such as driving cessation, elevate the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease among older adults residing in communities. However, the association between transportation-related lifestyles and cognitive function in older adults with MCI remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mobility independence and cognitive dysfunction among older patients with MCI. Methods This was a retrospective study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older from Usuki, Oita Prefecture, Japan. Data from 117 participants with MCI were analyzed. Using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, participants were categorized into independent and dependent mobility groups based on their mode of transportation. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J), and scores were compared across modes of transportation. Results Significant differences were found in total MoCA-J scores, visuospatial executive function, naming, and orientation, and MMSE orientation of time and place, with higher scores observed in the independent mobility group compared to the dependent group (p < 0.05). Analysis of covariance further supported these findings, showing higher scores in total MoCA-J and MMSE scores in the independent mobility group. Conclusions This study highlights the relationship between daily mode of transportation and cognitive function in patients with MCI. Participants with independent mobility exhibited superior cognitive function compared to the dependent mobility group. These findings may contribute to the development of new interventions for preventing the transition from MCI to dementia by further validation of causal relationships in longitudinal or intervention studies.