Association between combined healthy lifestyle and cognitive function: Evidence based on Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

This study examined the relation between cognitive function and combined healthy lifestyle behaviors among the Chinese population. Particularly, this study attempted to identify which specific combinations of two or three lifestyle behaviors yield the greatest protective effects against cognitive impairment, to find a balance between adherence and effectiveness in developing dementia prevention strategies. We examined the association between combined healthy lifestyle behaviors (moderate alcohol consumption, high level of physical activity, nonsmoking, a healthy diet, and moderate sleep duration) and cognitive function in the older population aged 65 and above, using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A total of 12,361 cases were analyzed by binary logistic regression models. The results suggested that never smoking, a healthy diet, limited alcohol consumption, and moderate sleep duration – but not high levels of physical activity – were positively associated with cognitive function. A dose–response relationship between cognitive function and the number of healthy lifestyle behaviors was observed. Furthermore, this study expanded current knowledge by identifying specific combinations of two or three healthy lifestyle behaviors that offer the greatest cognitive benefits, concluding that adherence to limited alcohol consumption, nonsmoking, and a healthy diet is the most optimal combination.