Risk and protective factors against cognitive decline in older adults from a nationally representative sample in India: Results from the LASI-DAD
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INTRODUCTION
We characterized modifiable risk and protective factors for cognitive decline in India.
METHODS
Using the first nationally representative population-based longitudinal sample of N=6,168 older adults in India, we evaluated associations of risk factors (demographic characteristics, self-reported and objective health characteristics, health behaviors, and sensory function) for late-life cognitive decline with up to 6.4 years of follow-up (range: 2.8 to 6.4 years).
RESULTS
The mean rate of general cognitive decline was -0.029 SD per year, and was progressively steeper with age. Most risk factors, particularly demographic and cardiovascular characteristics, were associated with steeper cognitive decline in expected directions: associations of history of high cholesterol or heart attack on rate of cognitive decline, for example, were comparable to being 11-12 years older.
DISCUSSION
Most risk factors were associated with change in expected directions, highlighting the potential generalizability to India of previously identified risk factors for dementia.
