THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND TAI-CHI: FINDINGS FROM THE PINE STUDY

The study examined the association between cognitive function and Tai Chi practice among older Chinese Americans. Data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (N=3,157) was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Cognitive function was assessed by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). The results showed that cognitive function was significantly associated with Tai Chi practice. Participants with higher scores of global cognition (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.20–1.73, p = 0.00), episodic memory (OR =1.27, 95% CI: 1.10–1.47, p = 0.00), executive function (OR = 1.017, 95% CI:1.00–1.03, p = 0.01), working memory (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12, p = 0.01), and C-MMSE (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, p = 0.00) were more likely to practice Tai Chi. This study demonstrated that Tai Chi may benefit cognitive function in Chinese older adults.