Contributions to cognitive decline among older Latinos in Los Angeles, California

Objective: To identify factors related to cognitive decline among a population-based sample of Latinos aged ≥60 years.

Background: In 2006, Latinos comprised 36% of the California population and approximately 11% of them were ≥65 and older. Few studies have reported on risk factors for cognitive decline in this population.

Methods: A population-based longitudinal study among Latinos aged ≥60 years in La Puente, California. Cognitive change was assessed using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument Short Form (CASI-S) at two times, 4 years apart. Logistic regression identified factors differentiating subjects who showed larger cognitive decline.

Results: Participants aged ≥67 were more likely to show cognitive decline compared to participants aged 60-66 (OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.23-2.54), adjusting for gender. Participants who were retired and not-working at the initial CASI-S were more likely to show decline than participants those working full-time (OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.47-5.49), adjusting for age Heart failure was also associated with decline in CASI-S scores (OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.11-5.74). High blood pressure, history of heart attack, diabetes and stroke were not associated with decline in CASI-S scores.

Conclusion: Certain demographic, social and health-related factors are associated with cognitive decline among elderly, community-dwelling U.S. Latinos. Longer-term follow-up and correlation with daily function will provide a broader picture of cognitive decline and its ramifications in this growing population.