Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Cognitive Function in Seniors: A Cohort Study in China

Abstract

Background In the context of increasing global aging, the long-term effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive function in older adults were analyzed in order to provide rationalization recommendations and data support. Methods 5,354 Chinese seniors aged 65–112 years were selected as the subjects, and their participation in the survey covered the time span from 1998–2018. Data cleaning and preprocessing was implemented by R software. The dynamic Cox model was applied for model construction and data analysis. Results The results of the dynamic Cox model suggested that seniors who drank alcohol were at higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those who never drank, and the effect was long-term. The risk was similarly exacerbated by perennial drinking habits. Compared to the liquor (≥ 38°), seniors who consumed liquors (< 38°) and rice wine had a relatively lower risk of cognitive decline. In addition, associations between marital status, frequency of food intake, activity participation and cognitive performance in seniors were also confirmed. Conclusions Alcohol consumption has a negative and long-term effects on cognitive function in seniors. For the elderly, we suggested that alcohol intake should be avoided as much as possible.