Protocol for Shenzhen Ageing Cohort Study (SZ-ageing): a prospective observational cohort study of elderly disability and cognitive impairment

INTRODUCTION: The incidence and prevalence of disability and cognitive impairment, which are age-related, increase as China has become an ageing society. This study aims to establish the Shenzhen Ageing Cohort Study (SZ-ageing) to explore the epidemiological situation, risk factors and biomarkers of disability and cognitive impairment among Chinese elderly individuals. METHODS: About 3000 participants aged 65 years and older are to be recruited from communities in Shenzhen by using a multistage sampling method. They will receive a baseline investigation between 2022 and 2024. The comprehensive data on disability and cognitive impairment will be collected by using standardised questionnaires, standardised scale assessments, clinical measurements and clinical laboratory tests. Active follow-up surveys with the same content as the baseline investigation will be conducted every 3 years. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been obtained from the ethics committee of the Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control (SZCCC-2022-001-01-PJ; 21 February 2022). The research findings will be presented at professional conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200060055).