[Factors influencing cognitive function among the older adults in Beijing]

Objective: To explore the current status of cognitive function of the older adults in Beijing, and to analyze the factors affecting their cognitive function.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire survy was conducted in 2023 among the older adults in Beijing. The cognitive function of the older adults was assessed with the Hong Kong brief cognitive test (HKBC) scale, a simple cognitive assessment tool. Using SPSS 27.0 to perform the descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis of factors, which affect cognitive function among the older adults.

Results: Totally 349 older adults were recruited, with the highest percentage of respondents aged 60-69 years (41.3%), of whom 58.7% were female, 88.0% of the respondents had a junior high school or above education level. Most of the older adults (68.8%) worked 35-48 h/week before they retired, and 14.0% of the older adults had a family history of dementia. After controlling age and gender, the linear regression analysis showed that marital status married (β=0.501, 95%CI: 0.144-0.859) and 3-4 times physical activity per week (β=0.617, 95%CI: 0.087-1.148) were protective factors of cognitive function in the older adults, and depressive symptoms were a risk factor (β= -0.723, 95%CI: -1.198 to -0.247) of cognitive function for the older adults.

Conclusion: In this study, the factors influencing cognitive function among the older adults was analyzed based on a life-cycle perspective. Lack of physical activity and depressive symptoms were risk factors for cognitive function among the older adults. It was suggested that strengthening physical activity, improving mental health of the older adults, as well as conducting preventive intervention in early stages of the life-cycle will be benefit for preventing and slowing cognitive decline in the older adults.