Factors influencing cognitive function of women in the early phase of old age according to body mass index

Abstract

We examined factors affecting cognitive function and their interaction with body mass index (BMI) in women in early old age, by using data on the elderly from the 2011 Korean National Survey. In total, 1,589 elderly, non-institutionalized subjects were selected. Physical functioning, masticatory function, depression, and cognitive function Were assessed. Multiple regression analysis results indicated that mobility problems and depression affected cognitive function in normal subjects, explaining 20.5% of the variance in cognitive function. In the overweight group, mobility and masticatory function affected cognitive function, explaining 5.1% of the variance. In the obesity group, masticatory function and depression affected cognitive function, explaining 8.0% of the variance. When designing programs to prevent decline of cognitive function in older women, BMI effects on cognitive function should be taken into account. © 2014 International Information Institute.