Positive association between constipation and mild cognitive impairment in elders: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a growing concern in aging populations.
• Constipation is a common condition in older adults, but its link to cognitive decline is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between constipation and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling elders.
• To explore potential underlying mechanisms connecting constipation and MCI.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 789 community-dwelling elders in Nanning, China.
• Data collection via questionnaires and physical examinations.
• Bayesian network model to analyze causal relationships.

Main Results:

• Constipation was found to be directly associated with an increased risk of MCI.
• Synergistic effects were observed between constipation and factors like infrequent fruit intake, low physical activity, and stroke history in relation to MCI risk.
• The Bayesian network identified direct causal paths from constipation, stroke history, and schooling years to MCI.

Conclusions:

• Constipation is a significant risk factor for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly.
• Lifestyle factors and medical history interact with constipation to influence cognitive health.
• Further research into the gut-brain axis may reveal new therapeutic targets for preventing cognitive decline.