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Effect of sociodemographic and physical activity on cognitive function in older adults: A nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Author(s) -
Zhang Yuting,
Gu Yaohua,
Zhang Yupeng,
Liu Xiangxiang,
Zhang Yanan,
Wu Wenwen,
Chen Xuyu,
Wang Qiru,
Tan Xiaodong
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.4932
Subject(s) - activities of daily living , marital status , gerontology , residence , socioeconomic status , cognition , medicine , cross sectional study , demography , population , psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , pathology , sociology , environmental health
Objective We aimed to assess the effect of socioeconomic status and physical activity on cognitive function using a large population‐based survey data in China. Methods We took advantage of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted in 2014 to examine the relationship between sociodemographic, physical activity, and cognitive function in older adults (OAs) for persons aged above 65 ( N = 2848). Socioeconomic status was assessed by sex, age, co‐residence situation, category of residence, years of schooling, and marital status. Multiple linear regression for predictors was utilized. Physical activity was assessed using activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) measures. Cognitive function was assessed by the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination. Results The mean age of the OAs was 80.65 years (SD = 8.55). Their mean Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 21.55 (SD = 2.38), mean ADL Total score was 6.24 (SD = 0.95), and mean IADL Total score was 10.21 (SD = 3.84). OAs' age at testing, co‐residence and category of residence significantly predicted both ADL Total score and IADL Total score ( P < 0.05), sex significantly predicted IADL Total score ( R 2 = 0.02, β = 0.13, P = 0.000) but not ADL Total score ( R 2 = 0.00, β = 0.02, P = 0.211). OAs' sex, age, co‐residence, and years of schooling significantly predicted cognitive function ( P < 0.05), IADL total score significantly predicted cognitive function ( P < 0.01), while the relationship between ADL total score and cognitive function was not significant ( P = 0.94). Conclusion OAs' sex, age, co‐residence, years of schooling, and IADL were significantly associated with cognitive function. Improving OAs' IADL, especially in lower social classes, may help to improve the overall cognitive function of the OAs.