Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the differences of cognition and risk factors of cognition decline between empty-nest and non-empty-nest elderly in healthy China population.Methods In cross-sectional study,we examined 475 healthy elderly (aged 60-91 years,235 men)free from cardiocerebral disease and diabetes mellitus.Participants were categorized into non-empty-nest and empty-nest group.The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)was performed as a assessment of cognition.Carotid intema-media thickness (CIMT) was analyzed using M-mode ultrasonography Results MMSE score of empty-nest group was significantly lower than non-empty-nest group (p=0.002) only for males.Stepwise multiple regression equation analysis in males shows that age and fasting blood glucose (FBG) are independently associated with MMSE in both non-empty-nest (B=-0.166 p<0.001 for age and B=-0.78 p=0.013 for FBG) and empty-nest(B=-0.245 p<0.001 for age and B=-1.539 p=0.007 for FBG) group.However,in non-empty-nest females the age (B=-0.147 p<0.001),systolic blood pressure (SBP,B=-0.102 p=0.001),and diastolic blood pressure (DBP,B=0.117 p=0.003) were independently correlated with MMSE.In empty-nest females only the age (B=-0.168 p=0.005) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR,B=-0.028 p=0.019) were independently correlated with MMSE.