Linking Cognitive Status to Healthy Brain Ageing Functional Trajectories in a Multicultural Aging Population: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study

Background Population aging is an inevitable phenomenon in the world that presents challenges for healthcare systems. Older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience many challenges that influence their access to healthcare services. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluated functional changes and early cognitive impairment among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older adults in Sydney, Australia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 221 community-dwelling adults (65+) at two organizations serving Mandarin/Cantonese and Arabic speakers, using the Healthy Brain Ageing Functional Assessment Questionnaire (HBA-FAQ) and the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8). Results The study included participants with a mean age of 75.31 years, predominantly Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking (67%) or Arabic-speaking (29%). A majority (67.4%) reported having chronic conditions. On the AD-8 screening tool, 53.9% of participants scored ≥ 2, a result indicating possible cognitive concerns. Functional decline was most pronounced in memory, emotional regulation and sleep. The AD8 Total score showed significant positive correlations with all HBA-FAQ domains (r = 0.315–0.578, all p = 0.001), with the strongest associations observed for higher-level thinking skills and memory. Key demographic factors, including older age (≥ 70), lower education, and Arabic language background, were associated with poorer functional outcomes. Chronic diseases and psychological disorders were associated with worse functional outcomes across all measures. Conclusion The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address cognitive decline, manage chronic conditions, and promote functional well-being in diverse aging populations.