Screening patterns for cognitive dysfunction and influencing factors analysis for referral and training rate: Experience from a health management center

Background Implementing cognition health screening, risk assessment, and early intervention for cognitive impairment-related diseases among appropriate demographics holds significant importance in China. Objective This study aims to present a cognition health management model and to explore factors influencing referral and cognition training rates for participants enrolled in a health management center. Methods This cohort study examined 836 cases of potential cognitive dysfunction at a health management center in China from January to October 2023. Baseline characteristics, three-month follow-up data, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Bivariate logistic regression was employed to identify predictive factors for referral and cognition training rates. Results In this study, the referral and cognition training rates among participants were only 6.58% and 4.07%, respectively. The primary barriers identified were lack of awareness and accurate understanding of cognition health and training, often linked to lower levels of education. Comorbidities of cerebrovascular disease (adjusted OR: 0.277; 95%CI: 0.112–0.683, p = 0.005) and higher levels of fasting blood glucose upon admission (adjusted OR: 0.849; 95%CI: 0.746–0.955, p = 0.013) were associated with referral. A lower MoCA score on admission (adjusted OR: 0.856; 95%CI: 0.742–0.986, p = 0.032) was associated with receiving cognition training. Conclusions Targeted educational campaigns are essential to address low awareness of cognition health, particularly among those with lower education. Moreover, considering comorbidities and biochemical markers can enhance the prediction and implementation of referral and cognition training rates.