Early-Life Circumstances and Cross-Country Disparities in Cognition Among Older Populations — China, the US, and the EU, 2008–2018

What is already known about this topic?Many health challenges have emerged due to rapid population aging,including declined cognitive ability among older adults.What is added by this report?Childhood circumstances have significant and lasting impacts on cognition in old age.This study compared cognition data from China with both the United States(U.S.)and the European Union(EU)during 2008–2018,finding that childhood circumstances could respectively explain 65.4%[95%confidence interval(CI):59.4%,71.4%](China vs.the U.S.)and 38.2%(95%CI:35.1%,41.2%)(China vs.the EU)of the overall differences in cognition among older adults.Family socioeconomic status explained the largest share of differences among all considered childhood circumstances.What are the implications for public health practice?Large disparities in cognition should be addressed by mitigating childhood disadvantages.

Geographic Variation in Inpatient Care Utilization, Outcomes and Costs for Dementia Patients Aged 65 Years or Older — China, 2017–2019

What is already known about this topic?Dementia leads public health issues worldwide.China has the largest population of adults living with dementia in the world,imposing increasing burdens on the public health and healthcare systems.Despite improved access to health services,inadequate and uneven dementia management remains common.What is added by this report?The report documents the provincial-level geographic patterns in healthcare utilization,outcomes,and costs for patients hospitalized for dementia in China.Regional patterns demonstrate gaps in equity and efficiency of dementia care and management for dementia patients.What are the implications for public health practice?Public health policy and practices should consider geographic disparities in disease burden and healthcare provision to promote equitable allocation of resources for dementia care throughout China.