Multidimensional health profiles and cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults: a latent profile analysis

Older adults often experience complex, co-occurring physical, psychological, and social health conditions that together characterize their multidimensional health and may have implications for cognitive function. However, the patterns of these multidimensional health conditions and their association with cognitive function in older adults remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify latent profiles of multidimensional health among community-dwelling older adults and examine factors associated with profile membership and corresponding cognitive function.

In this study, cross-sectional survey data from 1,077 community-dwelling older adults were analyzed. Latent profile analysis was used to classify participants based on pain, fatigue, physical frailty, depressive symptoms, insomnia symptoms, and loneliness. Multinomial logistic regression with the three-step approach (R3STEP) was performed to identify factors associated with latent profile membership. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the associations between latent profiles and cognitive function.

Four distinct latent health profiles were identified: relatively healthy (56.7%), physical symptom (21.5%), physically frail (12.1%), and psychosocial symptom (9.7%) groups. Compared with the relatively healthy group, participants aged ≥ 75 years, with a bachelor's degree or higher, unmarried status, low economic status, chronic diseases, and low engagement in physical activity were more likely to belong to the physical symptom, physically frail, or psychosocial symptom profiles. Participants in all other latent profiles exhibited lower cognitive function than those in the relatively healthy group.

This study highlights the importance of multidimensional health profiles in understanding cognitive vulnerability among older adults. The identified patterns of co-occurring physical and psychosocial symptoms highlight the importance of adopting holistic, tailored strategies to support cognitive health. Developing profile-specific interventions addressing physical function, symptom management, and psychosocial well-being is essential for preventing cognitive decline in this population.