Study on the association of telephone calls from close family and friends with cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults

Objective To examine the association of telephone communication with family and friends with cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, and to provide evidence for the prevention and control of senile dementia. Methods Based on the baseline data collected in phase 3 of guangzhou biobank cohort study (GBCS), 9 434 Guangzhou residents aged 50 years or older were included. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information including mini-mental state examination(MMSE) score, telephone communication with family and friends, age, educational level and other relevant information. General Linear Model and non-conditional Logistic regression were used for data analysis. Mild cognitive impairment(MCI) was defined as MMSE less than 24 points.Results After adjustment for the potential factors above, telephone communication with family and friends was significantly associated with MMSE scores in a dose-response pattern, with less frequent telephone calls being associated with lower MMSE score, especially in middle-aged and older people living in the rural area. Compared to those with telephone calls at least once a week, those with telephone calls less than once a month (OR=1.26,95% CI:1.02-1.55) and without telephone calls(OR=1.63,95% CI:1.25-2.11) were associated with a higher risk of MCI, and the results were more significant in those living in the rural area(OR=1.52,95% CI:1.13-2.03 and OR=2.13,95% CI:1.51-3.01, respectively).Conclusions Higher frequency of telephone communication with family and friends was associated with better cognitive function. Telephone communication with family and friends <1 month could be an indicator of mild cognitive disorders in rural middle and older people. Intervention studies on the effects of increasing telephone communication may help to prevent the development of dementia.