Gender differences in the association between sensory function and CIND among Chinese elderly: Based on CLHLS

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Sensory impairment (SI), encompassing hearing and visual deficits, is prevalent among older adults.
• Cognitive decline and cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) pose significant public health challenges.
• Understanding the relationship between SI and cognitive health is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-specific associations between sensory impairment (hearing and visual) and the risk of cognitive decline.
• To examine the relationship between sensory impairment and the risk of developing cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND).

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) across three waves (2011/12-2018).
• Included 6138 participants aged 65+ without baseline CIND.
• Employed multivariate linear and logistic regression models, stratified by gender, to analyze the effects of SI on cognitive decline and CIND risk.

Main Results:

• Hearing and visual impairments were associated with lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, with stronger associations observed in men.
• Hearing impairment increased CIND risk in both men (OR=2.46) and women (OR=1.43).
• Visual impairment significantly elevated CIND risk only in men (OR=1.43), while single visual impairment did not increase CIND risk in women.

Conclusions:

• Sensory impairment is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline and CIND in older adults.
• The association between sensory impairment and cognitive decline exhibits significant gender differences.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these gender-specific associations.