Correlates of cognitive impairment in older Vietnamese

This study examined correlates of cognitive functioning and possible cognitive impairment among older adults living in Da Nang, Vietnam and surrounding rural areas.

The analytic sample consisted of 489 adults, 55 and older stratified by gender, age, and residence in a rural or urban area. The sample was 46% rural, 44% women, with a mean age of 69.04. Interviews were conducted in individuals' homes by trained interviewers. The dependent variable was a Vietnamese version of the mini mental status examination (MMSE). A multiple linear regression was run with the MMSE continuous scores reflecting cognitive functioning, while a binary logistic regression was conducted with an education-adjusted cut-off score reflecting possible cognitive impairment. Age, gender, education, material hardship, depressive symptoms Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale, war injury, head trauma, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease conditions served as correlates, controlling for marital status and rural/urban residence.

About 33% of the sample scored below the standard cutoff of 23 on the MMSE. However, only 12.9% of the sample would be considered impaired using the education-adjusted cut-off score. Cognitive functioning and possible cognitive impairment as indicated by MMSE scores were significantly associated with being older, completing fewer years of education, and material hardship. Gender, depressive symptoms, and cerebrovascular disease were associated with cognitive functioning, but not cognitive impairment.

These results show that social characteristics, physical illness, and mental health are associated with cognitive functioning. The study also raises questions about the need for standardization of screening measures on Vietnamese populations.