Relationship between anthropometric indicators and cognitive function in older women

The authors aimed to explore the association between anthropometric indicators and cognitive function and determine which aspects of anthropometric indicators are most closely related to cognitive function. A sum of 3269 older women were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, calf circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were obtained to reflect anthropometric indicators. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Researchers revealed statistically significant differences in total MMSE scores among the low, medium, and high groups of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference. Researchers also observed that calf circumference, hip circumference, and waist circumference are significantly associated with the total MMSE score. Our findings highlighted that older women with greater BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference have a better level of cognitive function. Calf circumference is the most closely anthropometric indicator related to cognitive function in Chinese older women.