Abstract
Cognitive decline is the major cause of autonomy loss among older adults, and maintaining cognitive health becomes crucial for older adults’ wellbeing in their later years. Numerous studies have suggested the beneficial effect of fruit/vegetable intake on protecting against cognitive decline. However, little research has been done to study this relationship among China’s oldest-old population. This study explored whether daily intake of fruits/vegetables are associated with cognitive function among Chinese oldest-old (aged 80+). Data was drawn from the 2014 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), the largest nationally representative sample of oldest-old population. A Chinese, modified version of Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE) was used as a measure of cognitive function (score range 0–30) and was used to create an indicator of healthy cognitive function (score > 24). Self-reported fruit/vegetable intake data from the CLHLS was used to create an indicator of daily intake of fruits/vegetables. Possible confounders were also examined, including key socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychological characteristics, as well as other dietary choices. The results from cross-sectional, multivariate logistic analysis (N=3,053) showed a significant positive association: daily consumption of fruits/vegetables increased the odds of having healthy cognitive function (OR 1.8, p < 0.001). A sensitivity test using multivariate linear regression was done and confirmed that higher intake of fruits/vegetables is associated with higher mMMSE score (1.6 points higher, p < 0.001). Findings support the link between cognitive health and nutrition. Future longitudinal analysis may help further depict the causal pathway and provide specific dietary guidance to protect cognitive health.