The Prevalence of Neurological Symptoms among Chinese Older Adults in the Greater Chicago Area

Background: Neurological symptoms influence health and well-being among older adults. However, Chinese older adults are underrepresented in most studies on neurological symptoms. This study aims to examine the prevalence of neurological symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were drawn from the PINE study, a population-based survey of U.S Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, a total of 3,159 Chinese older adults aged 60 and above were surveyed. Clinical review of system (ROS) was used to assess the presence of dizziness, syncope/fainting, fall, seizures, weakness, numbness, tingling, tremor, and stiffness. Results: Neurological symptoms were commonly experienced by U.S Chinese older adults (50.6%). Symptoms as dizziness (31.0%), numbness (19.0%), and falls (14.8%) were commonly reported. Participants were more likely to report any neurological symptom if they were older , less educated, low income, with poorer self-perceived health status, poorer quality of life, and worsened health change over last year. Conclusions: Neurological symptoms are common among Chinese older adults in the U.S. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine risk factors and health outcomes associated with neurological symptoms.