Health-related Quality of Life and the Influencing Factors in Chinese Elderly Patients with Cognitive Impairment

Abstract With the increasing number of aging individuals in China, it is important to focus on age-related cognitive impairment and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the elderly population. This study aimed to assess the HRQoL of elderly patients with cognitive impairment in China and identify associated factors. Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018, including 684 patients with cognitive impairment, were analyzed. The diagnosis of cognitive impairment was based on the Minimum Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the EuroQoL Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) was used to measure HRQoL. The results indicated that age, education level, sleep duration, and social activities significantly influenced the HRQoL of these patients. Specifically, patients aged 75 years or older, those with lower education levels, and those with inadequate sleep had lower health utility values, while patients engaged in social activities exhibited higher health utility values. Tobit regression analysis confirmed the substantial impact of age, education level, sleep duration, and activities on health utility values. Overall, the findings revealed a strong association between diminished health-related quality of life and elderly Chinese patients with cognitive impairment. It was concluded that advanced age, lower education level, insufficient sleep, and limited social engagement were influential factors affecting the HRQoL of these patients. Therefore, the study suggested that collaborative efforts among patients, families, hospitals, and social service organizations are essential to enhance the HRQoL and overall physical and mental well-being of elderly patients with cognitive impairment.