“Brain Wellness in Comiziano”: Epidemiological Study on Potential Protective Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease in a Small Italian Village

The aging of the population and, consequently, dementias represent a priority for global public health. This door-to-door epidemiological study was conducted in a small agricultural community with no migratory flows in the past few decades in Campania. The aim was to identify lifestyles that may be either favourable to the development of dementia. A total of 206 participants were recruited from 502 individuals aged 60 and over. The residents were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire. Regarding the factors associated with cognitive decline, there was a statistically significant association between older age and impairment in MoCA scores. Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between altered MoCA scores and weight loss over the past six months (p < 0.048). A statistically significant association was found between altered MoCA scores and the perception of cognitive deficit (p < 0.029). In conclusion, in our homogeneous community, a low prevalence of cognitive decline was observed, with cognitive reserve playing an important protective role, while advanced age, weight loss, and subjective cognitive deficit were identified as risk factors. Additionally, a low prevalence of cognitive deficits emerged, which may be associated with the habits and lifestyle of the inhabitants.