Associations of handgrip strength, walking times, and dementia among Chinese adults: A cross-sectional analysis from CHARLS

The progression of dementia poses a major public health issue. While handgrip strength (HGS) and walking times are linked to dementia, their relationship needs clarification. This study explored how walking times mediates the connection between HGS and dementia. This study analyzed data from 7206 older adults participating in the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Utilizing linear regression models and bootstrap analysis, we explored the mediating role of walking times in the relationship between HGS and dementia, while accounting for various confounding variables. Additionally, stratified and interaction analyses were conducted to assess the stability of this relationship across different subgroups. After adjusting for confounding variables, HGS is inversely correlated with the incidence of dementia (OR: 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.95–0.99; P < 0.001), whereas walking times exhibits a positive correlation with dementia (OR: 1.24, 95 % CI: 1.13–1.35; P < 0.001). Walking times mediated 10.20 % of the total effect of HGS on dementia, with a mediating effect size of −2.51 × 10 −4 , indicating an indirect negative association between higher HGS and dementia via reduced walking times. Our findings suggest that HGS is negatively associated with dementia and walking times is positively associated with dementia. Walking times played a mediating role in the association between HGS and dementia. • Analysis of Large-Scale National Data: This study utilized data from 7,206 older adults participating in the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to evaluate risk factors associated with dementia. • Mediation Analysis Methodology: The research employed linear regression and bootstrap analysis to quantify the mediating role of walking times between handgrip strength (HGS) and dementia. The analysis included stratification and interaction testing to ensure robustness. • Direct and Indirect Effects: The findings indicated that HGS is negatively associated with dementia risk, while longer walking times are positively associated. Walking times mediate 10.20% of HGS's total effect on dementia.