Study on Aging and Cognitive Impairment in China

Background: By the end of 2022, China had about 280 million people aged 60 and older, making up 19.8% of the population. This number is projected to exceed 300 million by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan and 400 million by 2035, which would be over 30%. The 20th National Congress emphasized the need for a proactive strategy to tackle aging challenges. Approximately 6.04% of the elderly have dementia, with 3.94% having Alzheimer's disease. This totals around 15 million people with dementia. To address this, the China Cohort Consortium on Aging and Cognitive Impairment Development has been proposed to study health and cognitive changes in different age groups, aiming to support healthy aging policies. Methods: Participants from various age groups (children, youth, middle-aged, elderly) will be recruited from hospitals, schools, and communities using stratified sampling. They will undergo detailed medical examinations focusing on aging, cognitive impairments, and related diseases. A new database will track healthy aging and cognitive impairment development. Content: The study will involve comprehensive medical examinations, including physiological assessments, psychological evaluations, cognitive screenings, daily life assessments, imaging studies, and blood tests, to establish a detailed health and cognitive impairment database. The research will also investigate integrated intervention models in hospital, community, and home settings, develop remote medical management systems, and devise biomarker test kits for aging and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it will concentrate on non-pharmacological interventions and artificial intelligence systems for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of aging-related conditions. Objectives: The China Cohort Consortium on Aging and Cognitive Impairment Development, commencing with the HAPCAD study, aims to monitor changes across various age groups, evaluate the impact of aging on health and cognitive function, and design targeted interventions. The objective is to enhance health management and services related to aging, establish effective strategies, develop therapeutic drugs, and promote healthy aging.