Associations between pulmonary function and cognitive decline in the middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: Studies observing the relationship between pulmonary function and the risk of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults was increasing, but the results were inconsistent. To date, evidence from longitudinal data is scarce and further research is urgently needed. Methods: We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants were enrolled in 2011/2013 and followed up in 2013, 2015 and 2018. Pulmonary function was assessed via peak expiratory flow (PEF). Cognitive function, measured by episodic memory and mental status, was assessed through a face-to-face interview in each survey. Results: A total of 8,274 participants (52.86% males; mean age, 56.44 years) were included. The scores of global cognition (12.46 versus 11.51, P 60 years. Significant associations between higher PEF at baseline and lower absolute decline in global cognition and episodic memory during follow-up were only found in never-smokers, while higher PEF was related to lower absolute decline in mental status among non-smoking and smoking males. Conclusions: Pulmonary function correlates with cognitive functions in middle-aged and older people, especially males. Additional studies characterizing early and long-term PEF changes are needed.

Keywords

• pulmonary function
• cognitive decline
• middle-aged and older adults
• longitudinal