The Effect of Religion and Spirituality on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

The maintenance of cognitive health is an important component of healthy aging. Abnormal cognitive decline can signal the onset of dementing disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Normal cognitive decline can also adversely affect the health of aging populations. We investigated the association between religious/spiritual involvement (R/SI) and cognitive function in adults of any age and any setting. We also examined whether social engagement acts as a mediator or moderator of the effect of R/SI on cognitive function, and whether the association between R/SI and cognitive function differs according to how each of these constructs is measured.