Effect of age-friendly community degree on the cognitive function of older adults

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between individual environmental indicators and the physical and mental health of older adults has been widely studied. However, the holistic impact of age-friendly communities on the wellbeing of older adults has not beenclearly elucidated. This study aimed to explore the correlation between the degree of community friendliness and cognitive function of older adults and provide scientific evidence for healthy aging. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 450 residents aged ≥60 years with cognitive impairment in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, from June to September 2024. Participants provided personal demographic data, and their community's age-friendly status and cognitive function were assessed using the Age-Friendly Community (AFC) Evaluation Scale and the Alzheimer's Disease 8 Questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics and cognitive function of the older adults. RESULTS: Among the five dimensions of the AFC evaluation scale, community participation scored the highest at 3.56 ±' 1.21 points. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that personal demographic factors (age, sex, education level, economic status, housing conditions, alcohol consumption, and chronic diseases) significantly infiuenced cognitive function (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, residential environment, transportation, and community environment were identified as significant predictors of cognitive impairment (all P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Low scores in residential environment, transportation, community environment, and social inclusion in AFC are independent risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Measures to enhance community age-friendly environments could help improve the cognitive function of older adults.