Health Behaviors and Executive Function in Late Adulthood: A Time-Varying Effect Modeling Analysis

Objective: Cognitive decline in older adults is a public health issue, with modifiable factors like obesity and sleep potentially influencing this trajectory. Previous research on their relationship with executive function has shown mixed results, particularly across older adulthood. Methods: This study utilized time-varying effect modeling (TVEM) to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) and sleep on executive function in older adults aged 60 to 79, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 cycles (N = 2543). Executive function was evaluated using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Results: Findings indicated that while BMI did not significantly affect cognition, adequate sleep (7–8 hours) was linked to better executive function, especially in individuals aged 63 to 65. Conclusion: These results highlight sleep’s importance for cognitive health and suggest interventions focusing on sleep and weight management to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.