Alcohol consumption, poor lifestyle choices, and air pollution worsen cognitive function in seniors: a cohort study in China

Based on the complexity of cognitive-related influences and the specificity of Chinese liquor culture, this study aimed to explore the associations and potential interactions between demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, life and atmospheric environment, and cognitive function in seniors through a comprehensive analysis, in order to provide evidence support and feasible recommendations. The study sample was selected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which included 40,583 seniors aged 65–115 years. Data analysis and processing were performed by R 4.0.4. The relationship between the factors and cognition was modeled and analyzed by generalized additive model, and the interaction was explored by combining the ANOVA. The generalized additive model confirmed that alcohol consumption was detrimental to the cognitive status of older adults, especially for liquor (≥ 38°) and beer. The higher the average daily alcohol consumption, the greater the impairment. SO2 and PM2.5 showed the same negative effects. In contrast, life environment factors such as good education, balanced diet, and positive activity participation had a positive effect on cognition in seniors. In addition, interactions between alcohol consumption and average daily alcohol consumption, frequency of vegetable and meat intake, and between open-air activities, and air pollution were also confirmed. Poor lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption, unbalanced diet, lower activity participation, and air pollution deteriorate cognitive function in seniors. It is recommended that the elderly population should avoid alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet, and be physically active. Attention should also be paid to the effects of air quality.