Latent Transition and Predictors of Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults With...

Despite the recognized heterogeneity of cognitive function in older adults and its propensity for transition, this phenomenon remains inadequately understood among older adults with cardiovascular metabolic diseases (CMD). We aimed to explore the latent profiles of cognitive function among older adults with CMD, along with the transition probabilities between profiles and associated predictors.

A cohort study including 2304 older adults with CMD was drawn from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive function assessments and covariate data were gathered in 2011, with cognitive function reassessed in 2014. Latent profile analysis was employed to explore the latent profiles of cognitive function at two time points, latent transition analysis to examine transition probabilities between profiles, and multinomial logistic regression to investigate predictive factors of profile transitions.

Latent profile analysis supported 3-profile model: normal cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, and severe cognitive impairment. Over the 3-year period, the normal cognitive function profile exhibited greater stability, with probabilities of 0.834, while the mild cognitive impairment profile demonstrated a higher likelihood of transitioning to the normal cognitive function profile, with a probability of 0.630. Age, sleep duration, and social participation emerged as predictive factors of profile transitions.

Significant heterogeneity exists in cognitive function among older adults with CMD, characterized by three distinct profiles. Varied transition patterns and probabilities underscore the importance of identifying and intervening with individuals at elevated risk of negative transitions, potentially improving their cognitive function.