Prevalence of cognitive impairment and its related factors among Chinese older adults: an analysis based on the 2018 CHARLS data
2024

Cognitive Impairment in Older Chinese Adults

Sample size: 9804 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Wu Xueqin, Tang Yufu, He Yushan, Wang Qiwei, Wang Yinhui, Qin Xiujun

Primary Institution: Shanxi Medical University

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its associated factors among Chinese adults aged 60 years and older?

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among older adults in China with substantial demographic disparities.

Supporting Evidence

  • The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment was 44.04%.
  • Women had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (50.8%) compared to men (37.1%).
  • Prevalence increased with age, from 41.5% in those aged 60–64 years to 57.7% in those aged ≥75 years.
  • Lower educational levels and rural residence were associated with higher prevalence rates.
  • Multifactor logistic regression identified older age, female gender, and lower education as significant risk factors.

Takeaway

Many older people in China have trouble thinking clearly, especially women and those with less education. We need to help them stay mentally healthy.

Methodology

Data from the 2018 CHARLS was used to assess cognitive status with the MMSE and analyze factors related to cognitive impairment using chi-square tests and multifactor logistic regression.

Potential Biases

Potential cultural bias in the MMSE assessment and reliance on self-reported lifestyle factors.

Limitations

The study is cross-sectional, which limits causal inference, and relies on self-reported data that may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 60 years and older, with a mean age of 68.68; 49.4% were male and 50.6% were female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 43.02–45.06%

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1500172

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