Digital divide is amplifying cognitive disparities among the older population: a community-based cohort study in China

• DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.24.24303323
• Publication Date: 2024-02-27T20:25:23Z
• Authors: Yumeng Li; Chen Liu; Jiaqing Sun; Junying Zhang; Xin Li; Zhanjun Zhang
• Keywords: Digital Divide

Abstract Objectives To investigate the potential impact of digital divide on individuals’ cognitive function and its association with development reversion mild impairment (MCI). Methods This cohort study used data from Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation (BABRI) applying a multistage cluster sampling design in 2008-2020. Analysis Covariance (ANCOVA), mixed linear models, Cox proportional hazards models were to model multi-domain cognition. Results Among 10098 participants, nearly half them (48.9%) failed overcome divide, resulting worse performance processing speed (F=10.67, p <0.001). The causal indicated that physical mental health joint educational occupational prestige affected resource they achieved ultimately caused divide. Moreover, longitudinal revealed both elderly who successfully crossed during tracking process those had already done so prior showed significantly slower rates decline (B=-1.98, <0.05; B=-2.62, <0.01) general (B=3.50, <0.001; B=3.13, <0.01). Additionally, overcoming also exhibited lower risk developing into MCI (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.34-0.74; HR, 0.43; 0.29-0.62) greater probability normal cognition 6.00; 3.77-9.56; 9.22; 5.63-15.11). Conclusions Overcoming was associated better aging rate function, as well higher NC.