Work

Cognitive and Mental Health Differences Across Latent Profiles of Religiosity and Spirituality in Korean Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer’s Disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) encompass organizational activity, private practice, and intrinsic beliefs, which may relate differently to cognitive and mental health outcomes in older adults. This study identified latent R/S profiles among South Korean older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and examined differences in cognitive function, psychological well-being, and depressive symptoms. Latent profile analysis using Duke University Religion Index indicators was conducted with 518 patients (MCI: n = 224; AD: n = 294). In MCI, three classes that differed in well-being and verbal fluency were identified; they showed no differences in depressive symptoms or other cognitive domains. In AD, four classes were identified that differed in the Short Blessed Test and Word List Recall; in these, well-being, depression, and other cognitive outcomes did not differ across classes. These findings underscore the relevance of diverse R/S patterns in individualized care for older adults with neurocognitive disorders.

Source: American Journal of Alzheimer s Disease & Other Dementias®

DOI: 10.1177/15333175251415119

Authors: Mira Hur, Minkyung Kim, Sooyeon Min, Chang Hyun Lee, Do Hoon Kim

Institutions: Hallym University, Seoul National University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650