The influence of multiple lifestyle behaviors on cognitive function in older persons living in the community

Objective. This study aimed to examine the influence of multiple lifestyle behaviors on cognitive function in older persons living in an urban community. Method. A representative sample of 977 persons aged 65 and older in Suwon, Korea were interviewed in 2001, with follow-up inter-views completed on 645 (2002) and 537 (2003). Lifestyle behaviors included physical activity, non-smoking, vegetable consumption, and social activity. Individual, as well as, the number and combination of health behavioral profiles were considered. Cognitive function was assessed by the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations was used in the analysis, controlling for sociodemographics and chronic conditions. Results. All lifestyle behaviors showed independent association with cognitive ability, even after adjusting for the covariates. An incremental benefit of multiple lifestyle behaviors was evident, with those engaging in more positive behaviors exhibiting a tendency to have a higher cognitive score. A two- or three-factor combination of non-smoking, vegetable consumption, and social activity showed the strongest association with cognitive function. Conclusion. Participation in healthy lifestyles may contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in later life. It underlines the potential benefit of multiple behaviors in promoting cognitive health of older persons. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.