Examining the relationships between cognitive function and physical and mental health: interim findings from HKMMSOP

Linda Chiu Wa Lam, Wai Chi Chan, Allen T. C. Lee, Ada Wai-tung Fung, Suk Ling Ma, Calvin P. W. Cheng, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Frank HY Lai

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Population ageing is associated with an increase in the number of persons with dementia, which constitutes a significant public health issue. The Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People (HKMMSOP) was carried out to evaluate the local prevalence of dementia and the factors that modulated the disease development.

Method: Participants aged 60 or over, stratified with age groups, were recruited through random sampling of residential addresses in Hong Kong. They underwent an assessment of their cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA; Clinical Dementia Rating, CDR), physical health (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, CIRS) and mental health (Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised, CIS-R; Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, SWEMWBS). Associative factors of neurocognitive disorders were determined by multinomial regression, with neurocognitive disorders as dependent variables.

Result: In this interim analysis, 4369 participants of HKMMSOP were included. Their mean age was 69.6, and there was a slight female preponderance (56.3%). On average, they received 8.8 years of education, and their mean MoCA score was 23.8 (SD 4.9). Using CDR, 71.8% were evaluated as having normal cognition, 23.1% with a mild neurocognitive disorder (ND), and 5.2% with a major ND. Older or less educated participants had a higher risk of developing mild and major ND (p
Conclusion: Poorer physical and mental health and lower mental well-being and life satisfaction were associated with an increased risk of mild ND. But as the disease progressed, lower mental well-being and life satisfaction and poorer physical health remained significant factors. On the contrary, a higher level of mental symptoms, as exemplified by CIS-R, was not significantly associated with major ND. It sheds some light on the factors that may modulate the course of the disease and appropriate preventive measures.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 18 Jul 2023
EventAlzheimer's Association International Conference 2023: AAIC2023 - Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 16 Jul 202320 Jul 2023
https://istaart.alz.org/events/item/23/13

Conference

ConferenceAlzheimer's Association International Conference 2023
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
Period16/07/2320/07/23
Internet address

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