The Digital Divide and Cognitive Disparities Among Older Adults: Community-Based Cohort Study in China

Abstract

Background: The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) further deepens disparities in resource access, particularly among the aging population. However, the relationship between these factors and their resulting impact on cognitive abilities remains uncertain. Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential impact of the digital divide on individuals’ cognitive function and its association with the development and reversion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: This cohort study used data from Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation (BABRI) study applying a multistage cluster sampling design between 2008 and 2020. The digital divide was quantified by the frequency of using ICTs. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), mixed linear models, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to model the association of digital divide and multidomain cognition. Results: Among the 10098 participants, nearly half (n=4941, 48.9%) faced the digital divide, which was associated with a worse performance in processing speed (F10096=10.67; P