Cognitive function and uric acid levels among low-income rural Chinese aged ≥60 years without hyperuricemia

Background This study aimed to investigate the association between uric acid (UA) levels and cognitive function in a low-income, rural population in Chinese adults aged ≥60 years without hyperuricemia. Methods Elderly individuals (≥60 years old) without hyperuricemia from rural areas of Tianjin were included in this cross-sectional study. Basic demographic and clinical information were collected, and cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between UA levels and cognitive impairment, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between UA levels and MMSE scores. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender and age. Results A total of 1,418 participants were included, with 43.1% showing cognitive impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of cognitive impairment decreased by 0.2% for each unit increase in UA level and was reduced by 33% in the third quartile of UA levels compared with the lowest quartile (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.92, p = 0.014). MMSE scores increased by 0.01 ( β = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.01, p = 0.006) for each unit increase in UA level. Subgroup analysis showed significant protective associations in men and participants aged 60–69 years. However, no such relationship was found in women or individuals aged ≥70 years. Conclusion This study highlights the cognitive protective effect of UA in low-income rural Chinese populations aged ≥60 years without hyperuricemia, particularly in men and those aged 60–69 years. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and health education programs to prevent cognitive decline in this vulnerable population.