COGNITIVE DECLINE AND QUALITY OF LIFE: IMPACTS OF COGNITIVE CHANGES ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Abstract

Global population aging has led to a significant increase in cases of cognitive decline among older adults, a condition that compromises essential functions such as memory, attention, and language, directly impacting autonomy, functionality, and quality of life. National and international studies indicate a prevalence ranging from 5% to 85%, depending on the population studied, and highlight risk factors such as low educational level, chronic diseases, physical inactivity, depression, and social isolation. The aim of this study is to identify how cognitive decline affects the quality of life of older adults and to propose intervention strategies to improve their well-being. The specific objectives include analyzing the effects of cognitive decline on quality of life, identifying the challenges faced by older adults, and proposing evidence-based intervention strategies. The general and specific objectives express the purposes of the research and the expected outcomes. It is expected that this investigation will contribute to understanding the impact of cognitive decline on autonomy, mental health, and social relationships, as well as support future clinical, care-related, and public policy actions aimed at healthy and active aging. This study is justified by the importance of understanding the impact of cognitive decline on the autonomy, mental health, and social relationships of older individuals, as these aspects directly influence their quality of life and functional independence. Such understanding is essential to support clinical practices, care strategies, and public policies aimed at promoting healthy and active aging, contributing to the development of prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and the promotion of mental health in the elderly population. This is a systematic and critical literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted between 2019 and 2025 using the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. The descriptors used included “cognitive decline,” “older adults,” “functional autonomy,” “mental health,” “quality of life,” and “healthy aging.” The selection included studies with scientific relevance and clinical applicability, which were critically and integratively analyzed, resulting in an interpretative synthesis of the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with aging and cognitive decline. The findings are expected to show that cognitive decline reduces functional autonomy, increases dependence in activities of daily living, impairs communication, and contributes to social isolation. Furthermore, it is associated with a higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, negatively affecting mental health. Interventions such as regular physical activity, cognitive stimulation, psychosocial support, and the management of chronic diseases have demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining cognitive functions and improving quality of life. Cognitive decline remains a multifactorial phenomenon that requires multidisciplinary attention and intersectoral actions aimed at preserving autonomy, mental health, and the social well-being of older adults. Early detection and the implementation of prevention and intervention strategies can promote healthy aging, ensuring dignity, functionality, and quality of life for the elderly population.