Biography
Sneha Purakkattil
Sneha is a Bachelor of Psychology student at the University of Botswana and an intern at the university’s Psychology Clinic. Her research focuses on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Botswana’s aging population, exploring its prevalence and the socio-demographic and health-related factors that influence cognitive health. Sneha is passionate about healthy aging and is actively involved in community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting cognitive well-being and raising awareness about brain health among older adults.
Along with her research, Sneha has presented her findings at academic conferences and served as a peer tutor for psychology students. She is dedicated to contributing to mental health awareness and supporting the development of preventive strategies for cognitive impairment through both academic and community-based efforts.
Sneha Purakkattil
Prevalence and Correlates of Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Botswana’s older population
Presenter:
Sneha Purakkattil, University of Botswana
Abstract
Cognitive decline in older adults ranges from normal age-related changes to more severe conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can progress to dementia-related diseases. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of MCI among older adults in Gaborone, Botswana, focusing on socio-demographic and health-related factors. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and analyzed quantitatively. Results indicated that 65% of participants had mild MCI, 18.4% moderate MCI, 3.7% severe MCI, and 12.9% had normal cognitive function. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed significant associations between MCI and factors such as education, memory problems, family history of dementia, health satisfaction, gender, and quality of life. Socio-demographic and health-related characteristics explained 38.2% of the variance in MCI. Identifying these correlates is critical for developing targeted interventions, raising awareness of risk factors, and informing policies to prevent and manage the progression of MCI to dementia. Recommended interventions included lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation, which could enhance cognitive health outcomes.
Keywords: MCI, health-related characteristics, dementia related diseases (DRD), risk factors, prevention, interventions