Associations Between a History of Depression and Cognitive Performance Among Older Adults in Shandong, China

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between depression and cognitive performance among older adults living in Shandong province. Data were derived from the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (WHO-SAGE) China Wave 1 aged 50 and over residing in Shandong province (n = 1926). Cognitive performance was assessed by overall cognitive score. Data were analysed by multivariate linear regression. In rural Shandong, having a history of depression (− 4.0; p < 0.001), female (− 9.3; p < 0.001), and poor household wealth (− 8.9; p < 0.001) and primary level of education (− 6.4; p < 0.001) were main factors associated with their poor cognitive performance. Notably, in urban Shandong, lowest household wealth (− 12.5; p < 0.001) and not having health insurance (− 9.7; p < 0.001) were significant predictors of adverse cognitive performance. Findings could help inform policy in monitoring depressive symptoms and cognitive performance among older adults in China.