Deprivation-related adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function among older adults: Mediating role of depression symptoms

Background: Cognitive dysfunction imposes a heavy economic burden on families and society. Depression and deprivation-related adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are important factors that contribute to cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies have explored these complex interactions. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between deprivation-related ACEs and cognitive function in older adults. Methods: This national, cross-sectional study used data from the 2020 Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Information regarding depression, ACEs, and cognitive function was collected from individuals aged 60 years and older. A structural equation model was used to examine the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between deprivation-related ACEs and cognitive function. Results: A total of 9828 participants were included in this study. Their mean total cognitive function score was 13.488 ± 3.006. The results showed that sex, age, educational level, marital status, body mass index, registered residence, chronic disease situation, health, smoking, living alone, life satisfaction, social security, and internet use were all related to cognitive function (P < 0.05). Deprivation-related ACEs were negatively correlated with cognitive function (r = −0.132, P < 0.01). And depression symptoms were negatively correlated with cognitive function (r = −0.158, P < 0.01). The mediating effect analysis indicated that depression symptoms had a significant mediating effect between the 3 dimensions of deprivation-related ACEs and cognitive function. Conclusions: This study highlighted that improvement of deprivation-related ACEs was indirectly related to a reduced likelihood of cognitive dysfunction through depression in older adults. With the limitations of cross-sectional studies, validation through longitudinal design studies is deemed necessary. Future interventions should focus on alleviating depression symptoms to prevent cognitive decline and impairment in this population.