Animal-derived foods, physical activities, and mild cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults: findings from CLHLS (2008-2018).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the relationship between dairy-egg-meat (DEM) consumption, physical exercise, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese older adults, focusing on gender-specific patterns and potential moderating effects.

METHODS

Using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), we conducted a longitudinal analysis of 14,640 participants aged 55 and above, followed from 2008 to 2018. The study utilized Cox Proportional Hazard Models to examine the associations between baseline DEM consumption and MCI incidence. A composite DEM consumption measure, ranging from 0 to 3, with exercise assessed as a binary interaction variable. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Exam, with MCI diagnosed using aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria.

RESULTS

The overall MCI prevalence was 11.54%, with significant gender differences. The proportion of MCI among females (13.68%) was higher compared to males (8.85%). Moderate to high DEM consumption demonstrated protective effects against MCI with gender-specific patterns, showing a significant protective effect of exercise for high DEM consumption (HR = 0.780).

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals a complex, gender-specific relationship between DEM consumption and MCI risk. Exercise emerges as a significant moderator, particularly for males, highlighting the importance of integrated dietary and physical activity approaches to cognitive health. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions targeting nutrition and physical activity among older adults.