Exploring the relationship between Cognition, cognitive reserve, and modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline in the elderly.

**Aim of the study:**To assess the mediating effect of cognitive reserve on the association between modifiable risk factors and cognitive function in  elderly.

Objective(s) of the study:

To evaluate the following modifiable risks factors and their relation with cognition and cognitive reserve:

• Physical activity
• Alcohol use
• Smoking habits
• Obesity
• Hearing loss.

**Questionnaires administered:**i)     Mini Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( Mini MoCA)

ii)    Short Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire(s-CRIq)

iii)   Global  Activity Physical Questionnaire (GPAQ)

iv)    The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

v)      Heaviness of Smoking Index(HSI)

Self–reported measures:

i)  Body Mass Index(BMI)

ii) Hearing loss

iii)  Systemic illness

Participants will be recruited through a community-based approach. Elderly individuals will be screened and recruited from the general community, including surrounding residential neighborhoods, with a particular focus on areas where older adults are known to gather regularly, such as public parks, community centers, and walking tracks.Potential participants will be approached and provided with detailed information regarding the purpose and procedures of the study. Individuals who express willingness to participate will be requested to voluntarily share their contact details (phone number/email address) for further communication. Electronic versions of the participant information sheet, informed consent form, and study questionnaires will then be sent to them.

Informed consent along with demographic details ( Name, Age, and contact number ) will be obtained from all participants after they have been informed about the study details online, ensuring that they understand their participation is voluntary. The use of participants’ contact numbers will be clearly stated in the electronic forms prior to obtaining informed consent. Participants will be informed that their contact details are being collected solely for the purpose of administering test materials and that this process will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Individuals who consented to the study and provided valid responses will be subsequently contacted via telephone calls, and cognitive screening will be conducted by administering Mini-MoCA.

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