Constipation symptoms are associated with worse cognitive outcomes in older adults without dementia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Constipation is correlated with cognitive impairment; however, the association of constipation symptoms with cognitive domains remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association.

Methods

Participants aged 65 and older underwent neuropsychological, clinical, and laboratory examinations. Clinicians diagnosed constipation using the Rome IV criteria. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and multi-domain cognitive impairments in relation to constipation and its specific symptoms. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the effects of depressive symptoms.

Results

Constipation was diagnosed in 9,417 participants without dementia [mean (standard devi

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12442423 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature