Cognitive Decline, Depression, and Protective Factors among Middle Aged and Older Indigenous Women

This study investigated the direct relationship between cognitive decline and depressive symptoms among Indigenous women aged 40 to 70 from a Northern Plains tribe, examining the indirect associations between cognitive decline and depressive symptoms through the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs and the frequency of exercise. Data from 133 participants were analyzed using path analysis, which included the PHQ-9 and the Alzheimer’s Disease 8 scale. Results indicate a significant link between cognitive decline and depressive symptoms, with 39.1% showing probable depressive symptoms. The importance of religious and spiritual beliefs was negatively associated with depressive symptoms, while exercise was positively associated with depressive symptoms. However, there was no indirect effect between cognitive decline and depressive symptoms through either the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs or the frequency of exercise. These findings highlight the importance of cognitive health and resilience factors.