Research Information System
Geriatrics and Gerontology International, vol.26, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Background: Cognitive decline is common among older adults residing in nursing homes, yet the role of sensory processing and interoception in associating cognitive performance remains underexplored. Institutional care environments may exacerbate risks through reduced or imbalanced sensory stimulation. Objective: This study investigated whether sensory processing characteristics and interoception are associated with cognitive functioning in older adults living in nursing homes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 nursing home residents aged 65 years and older. Participants completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS), and the Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine associated factors of cognitive performance. Results: The model explained 44.1% of the variance in cognitive status (R2 = 0.441, p < 0.01). Interoception (β = 0.391, p < 0.01) emerged as a positive associated factor of cognition. In contrast, over-responsiveness to visual stimuli was negatively associated with cognitive performance (β = −0.321, p = 0.02). Proprioceptive seeking behavior was also a positive associated factor (β = 0.305, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Interoception, proprioceptive seeking, and visual over-responsiveness emerged as key associated factors of cognitive performance among nursing home residents. These findings demonstrate that cognitive health in late life is not only a matter of neurological decline but is also closely intertwined with sensory functioning and environmental stimulation. By highlighting sensory domains that are often overlooked, our study provides novel evidence for the importance of applying cognitive and holistic programs that include interoception, proprioceptive seeking, and visual responsiveness, together with the enrichment of nursing home environments.