A case-control study of cognitive impairment and related factors among elderly patients / 中国心理卫生杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore risk factors for cognitive impairment among elderly patients. Methods: There were 257 qualified subjects recruited, a case-control study was performed by collecting data of Mini Mental State Examination, carotid artery color Doppler flow imaging, biochemical tests, personal information on ages, medical histories, smoking as well as physical exercise among the recruited elderly in-patients/out-patients. A logistic regression was conducted to screen main effects of variables on occurrences of cognitive impairment. Results: Using logistic regression, the carotid intima-media thickness was found to be a significant risk factor (P<0.001) with larger regression coefficients (15.105 - 22.065) for the occurrence of cognitive impairment among elderly; about 71％ -78％ and 4％ decrease in risks of dementia occurrence for every 1 pg/mL serum free triiodothyronine and lkg body weight increase. Conclusion: The increase in carotid intima-media thickness is a significant risk factor for the occurrence of cognitive impairment among elderly patients. The decrease in serum free triiodothyronine and body weight are the related factors to increase risk for dementia.