Factors associated with cognitive function in the elderly: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2014
Authors
Steven Wang, Xin Yang
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Introduction: With global life expectancy on the rise, cognitive impairment increasingly strains individuals and healthcare systems due to age being a primary risk factor. This study seeks to elucidate the influence of age on other risk factors associated with cognitive impairment.
Methods: To assess the risk factors of cognitive impairment, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011-2014, totaling 2569 participants. By conducting multivariable logistic regression models and stratifying participants based on age (≤ 70 years old; > 70 years old), we further investigated the relationship between several risk factors and cognitive function status. Cognitive function status was defined by a Z-score (cognitive impairment defined as a z-score < -1), consisting of four cognitive tests (CERAD-WL, CERAD-DR, AFT, and DSST).
Results: The study found that participants over 70, particularly those of Mexican American, non-Hispanic Black, and multi-racial backgrounds, who were unmarried with lower education and family income levels, faced higher risks of cognitive impairment. As participant age increased, many risk factors diminished, though some, like being overweight and belonging to non-Hispanic White or multi-racial groups, remained exceptions.
Conclusion: This research studied age's significant impact on cognitive function development. Our findings can guide policy-making for cognitive impairment, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals. Future research should explore why risk factors in non-Hispanic Whites aren't reduced with age and explore other potential risk factors that are not available in this study.
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Authors
Steven Wang, Xin Yang
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