Research on the Impact of Spinal Kyphosis on Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults Based on the CLHLS Database

ZHU Xiaofang; WANG Jin; YAO Zhenshuai; XU Xiao; TAN Shuting; HE Pingping

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Journal of Hunan Normal University(Medical Science) ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (1) : 115-120.

Clinical Medicine

Research on the Impact of Spinal Kyphosis on Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults Based on the CLHLS Database

ZHU Xiaofang, WANG Jin, YAO Zhenshuai, XU Xiao, TAN Shuting, HE Pingping

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the association between spinal kyphosis and cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and to analyze the mediating roles of ADL and depression in this relationship. Methods Data from 9, 798 adults aged 65 and older were selected from Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey (CLHLS) in 2018. General information, including spinal kyphosis status and cognitive function scores, was collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine spinal kyphosis in older adults, and a multiple mediation model was used to test the mediating effects of ADL and depression. Results The detection rate of spinal kyphosis among Chinese older adults was 27.93%. Advanced age, female sex, rural residence, hypertension, rheumatoid or rheumatic diseases, presence of basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitations, depression, and lower cognitive function were identified as risk factors for spinal kyphosis. The mediation effect analysis revealed a significant direct effect of spinal kyphosis on cognitive function. The mediating effects of IADL and depression on cognitive function were significant. The chain mediating effect of IADL and depression was also significant. Conclusion Spinal kyphosis is significantly associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, with limitations in IADL and depression playing important chain-mediating roles in this relationship. Greater attention should be given to functional training and psychological interventions for older adults with spinal kyphosis, adopting multidimensional strategies to delay cognitive decline.

Key words

kyphosis / CLHLS / cognitive function / activities of daily living / depression

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ZHU Xiaofang, WANG Jin, YAO Zhenshuai, XU Xiao, TAN Shuting, HE Pingping. Research on the Impact of Spinal Kyphosis on Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults Based on the CLHLS Database[J]. Journal of Hunan Normal University(Medical Science). 2026, 23(1): 115-120

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