The longitudinal relation between social reserve and smaller subsequent decline in executive functioning in old age is mediated via cognitive reserve

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Michel Oris ◽  
Marie Baeriswyl ◽  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Stéphane Cullati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Completion Time ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Subsequent Increase ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Mediating Role

ABSTRACT Objectives: Social reserve such as having close friends helps promoting activity engagement in old age. Activity engagement in turn contributes to the accumulation of cognitive reserve and is a key predictor for maintaining executive functioning in aging. We investigated the mediating role of leisure activity engagement in the longitudinal relation between close friends and subsequent change in executive functioning as measured through performance changes in the Trail Making Test (TMT). Design, Setting, and Participants: Longitudinal study with 897 older adults tested in two waves 6 years apart, analyzed using latent change score modeling. Measurements: TMT parts A and B, leisure activity engagement, and close friends. Results: A larger number of close friends in the first wave of data collection was related to a higher frequency of leisure activities in the first wave. A higher frequency of leisure activities in the first wave significantly predicted a smaller subsequent increase in TMT completion time from the first to the second wave (i.e. a smaller decline in executive functioning). Importantly, 41.3% of the longitudinal relation between a larger number of close friends in the first wave and a smaller subsequent increase in TMT completion time (i.e. a smaller decline in executive functioning) was mediated via a higher frequency of leisure activities in the first wave. Conclusions: Social reserve such as having close friends may help promoting activity engagement in old age. By enhancing individuals’ cognitive reserve, this activity engagement may finally result in smaller subsequent decline in executive functioning in aging.

scholarly journals The relation of close friends to cognitive performance in old age: the mediating role of leisure activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1753-1758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Michel Oris ◽  
Marie Baeriswyl ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
The One

ABSTRACTBackground:From a conceptual point of view, close friends are an important resource for promoting activity engagement in old age. Leisure activity engagement in turn is a key predictor of cognitive performance. Empirically, it remains unclear so far whether leisure activity engagement mediates between having close friends on the one hand and cognitive performance on the other, which we investigated in a large sample of older adults.Methods:We assessed cognitive performance (Mill Hill vocabulary scale and Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B) in 2,812 older adults. Participants reported information on leisure activity engagement and close friends.Results:A larger number of leisure activities and a larger number of close friends were significantly related to better cognitive performance in the Mill Hill vocabulary scale and TMT parts A and B. A larger number of close friends were significantly related to a larger number of leisure activities. The number of leisure activities mediated more than half of the relation of the number of close friends to performance in all three cognitive measures.Conclusions:Having close friends may be helpful to stimulate and promote activity participation in old age. By enhancing individuals’ cognitive reserve, this may finally preserve their cognitive performance level in old age.

scholarly journals Interactional Effects Between Relational and Cognitive Reserves on Decline in Executive Functioning

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Sauter ◽  
Eric Widmer ◽  
Marie Baeriswyl ◽  
Nicola Ballhausen ◽  
Fanny Vallet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Completion Time ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Subsequent Increase ◽  
Family Networks ◽  
Data Assessment ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Trail Making

Abstract Objectives The present study set out to investigate associations of cognitive reserve (as indicated by education) and relational reserve (as indicated by the family network size and indices of emotional support) to decline in executive functioning over 6 years as measured by changes in Trail Making Test (TMT) completion time in older adults and whether education and network size interacted with age and sex as covariates with respect to this longitudinal association. Method We analyzed data from 897 participants tested on TMT parts A and B in two waves 6 years apart. The mean age in the first wave was 74.33 years. Participants reported information on their family networks and their level of education. Results Latent change score modeling testing for moderation effects revealed a significant interaction of network size in the first wave of data assessment with education. Specifically, for lower levels of cognitive reserve (−1 SD of education), the longitudinal association between relational reserve in the first wave and subsequent changes in executive functioning was not significant. In contrast, for higher levels of cognitive reserve (+1 SD of education), a higher relational reserve in the first wave significantly predicted a smaller subsequent increase in TMT completion time from the first to the second wave (i.e., a smaller decline in executive functioning). Discussion The present longitudinal study provides evidence for the interaction between cognitive and relational reserves. This confirms the hypothesis that reserves from different domains are intertwined and their combined effects contribute to less cognitive decline in old age.

Lower executive functioning predicts steeper subsequent decline in well-being only in young-old but not old-old age

2020 ◽  
pp. 016502542093707
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta ◽  
Élvio R. Gouveia ◽  
Bruna R. Gouveia ◽  
Michel Oris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Completion Time ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Young Old

Objectives: From a longitudinal perspective, the direction of the relationship between cognitive functioning and well-being in old age, both conceptually and empirically, is still under debate. Therefore, we aimed to disentangle the different longitudinal relationship patterns proposed and whether those differed between young-old and old-old adults. Methods: We used latent change score modeling based on longitudinal data from 1,040 older adults ( M = 74.54 years at Time 1 [T1], median = 73 years) to analyze reciprocal lead–lag relationships over 6 years in executive functioning (trail making test [TMT] completion time) and well-being (life satisfaction), taking into account chronological age, sex, education, leisure activities, and chronic diseases. Results: In young-old adults (<73 years), longer TMT completion time at T1 (i.e., lower executive functioning status) significantly predicted steeper subsequent decline in well-being. This was not the case for old-old adults (≥73 years), for whom this relationship was significantly different from that of the young-old (moderation effect). In either group, well-being status at T1 did not predict changes in TMT completion time. Discussion: Lower executive functioning may predict a subsequent decline in well-being in young-old adults only. Wider implications in a context of promotion of healthy aging are discussed.

scholarly journals Cognitive Reserve Moderates the Predictive Role of Memory Complaints for Subsequent Decline in Executive Functioning

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-73
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Élvio R. Gouveia ◽  
Bruna R. Gouveia ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Memory Complaints ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Predictive Role ◽  
Early Predictor

Aims: We investigated whether the longitudinal relation between memory complaints and subsequent decline in executive functioning over 6 years differed by leisure activity engagement as major contributor to cognitive reserve in old age. Methods: We analyzed longitudinal data from 897 older adults (M = 74.33 years) tested on the Trail Making Test (TMT) in two waves 6 years apart. Participants reported information on memory complaints and leisure activity engagement. Results: There was a significant interaction of memory complaints with leisure activity engagement on latent change in executive functioning. Specifically, only for individuals with less (but not those with greater) leisure activity engagement, memory complaints significantly predicted a steeper subsequent decline in executive functioning across 6 years (i.e., increases in TMT completion time). Conclusion: The role of memory complaints as an early predictor of decline in executive functioning seems to vary by individuals’ cognitive reserve.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in the Association Between Leisure Activity in Adulthood and Cognitive Function in Old Age: A Prospective Longitudinal Population-Based Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda B Hassing
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Verbal Ability ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Cultural Activity ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Objectives To examine the long-term association between leisure activities in adulthood and cognitive function in old age while recognizing gender differences in activity profiles. Methods The sample included 340 cognitively healthy twins enrolled in the OCTO-Twin Study, a longitudinal study on cognitive aging. Leisure activity was measured in midlife and cognitive function in old age (mean age 83). Leisure activities covered the domains of domestic, intellectual–cultural, and self-improvement activities. The cognitive assessments comprised 5 measurement occasions (2-year intervals) covering verbal ability, spatial ability, memory, and speed. The association between leisure activity and cognitive function was estimated separately for the genders using growth curve models, adjusting for age and education. Results Men and women had the same level of total leisure activity but differed in activity profiles and in the associations between activity and cognitive function. Higher engagement in self-improvement among men was related to higher level of cognitive functioning. Among women, intellectual–cultural activity was related to better verbal ability and memory. Concerning trajectories of cognitive function, domestic activity among men was related to less decline in speed, whereas for women it was related to steeper decline in spatial ability and memory. Further, higher intellectual–cultural activity among women was related to steeper decline in memory. Discussion Cognitively stimulating activities (i.e., self-improvement and intellectual–cultural), might increase cognitive reserve whereas less cognitively stimulating activities (i.e., domestic) do not. Gender differences should be considered when examining lifestyle factors in relation to cognitive aging.

Cognitive Reserve and Social Capital Accrued in Early and Midlife Moderate the Relation of Psychological Stress to Cognitive Performance in Old Age

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 190-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Michel Oris ◽  
Julia Sauter ◽  
Ulrike Rimmele ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Cognitive Level ◽  
Verbal Abilities

Aims: The present study set out to investigate the relation of psychological stress to cognitive performance and its interplay with key life course markers of cognitive reserve and social capital in a large sample of older adults. Methods: We assessed cognitive performance (verbal abilities and processing speed) and psychological stress in 2,812 older adults. The Participants reported information on education, occupation, leisure activities, family, and close friends. Results: Greater psychological stress was significantly related to lower performance in verbal abilities and processing speed. Moderation analyses suggested that the relations of psychological stress to cognitive performance were reduced in individuals with higher education, a higher cognitive level of the first profession practiced after education, a larger number of midlife leisure activities, a larger number of significant family members, and a larger number of close friends. Conclusion: Cognitive reserve and social capital accrued in early and midlife may reduce the detrimental influences of psychological stress on cognitive functioning in old age.

Leisure Activity Engagement Among the Oldest Old in China, 1998–2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (10) ◽  
pp. 1535-1537
Author(s):  
Qiushi Feng ◽  
Joelle H. Fong ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Changxi Liu ◽  
Huashuai Chen
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Women ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
The Past ◽  
Healthy Longevity ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Elderly Chinese

Objectives. To examine the trends of leisure activity engagement among the oldest old in China for the past 2 decades. Methods. Our panel data came from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which systematically asked respondents about their current participation in leisure activities over a 20-year period. The final sample contained 66 789 interviews from 1998 to 2018. We applied generalized estimating equations regression models in our analysis. Results. Compared with 1998, odds ratios of television watching among Chinese oldest old individuals increased by about 2 to 3 times in 2018. Meanwhile, the odds ratio of exercise declined by 24%, mostly in men; playing cards and mah-jongg declined by about 30% for men. Results also showed that reading became less popular in the oldest old, and Chinese women tended to do more housework than before. Conclusions. Our findings indicated that Chinese oldest old persons have become more sedentary and solitary in the past 2 decades. The negative trend in leisure activity engagement among the elderly Chinese population warrants policy attention, and the urgent development of public health interventions is required to reverse such trends.

scholarly journals Cognitive Reserve Mitigates Decline in Executive Functioning Following Hepatobiliary Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 149-154
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Élvio R. Gouveia ◽  
Bruna R. Gouveia ◽  
Maximilian Haas ◽  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Hepatobiliary Diseases

Abstract. The cognitive reserve hypothesis postulates that lifelong cognitive stimulation establishes a buffer that is instrumental in maintaining cognitive health. To examine this conceptual proposition in detail, we applied a novel, more general conceptual view that included recent models of vulnerability and examined whether the longitudinal association between hepatobiliary diseases and later decline in executive functioning across 6 years varied by cognitive reserve. For this purpose, we investigated longitudinal data from 897 older individuals ( M = 74.33 years) tested using the Trail Making Test (TMT) in two waves 6 years apart. Individuals reported information on key commonly used indicators of lifelong cognitive reserve build-up (i.e., education, work, and participation in leisure activity) and hepatobiliary diseases. The results revealed a significant interaction of hepatobiliary diseases with participation in leisure activity on latent change in executive functioning. Specifically, only in individuals with little (but not greater) participation in leisure activity did hepatobiliary diseases significantly predict a steeper decline in executive functioning over 6 years (i.e., increases in TMT finishing time). In conclusion, the unfavorable aftereffects of hepatobiliary diseases on a later decline in executive functioning seem to be mitigated in individuals who have built up greater cognitive reserve via participation in leisure activity during their life.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms, Leisure Activity Engagement, and Global Cognition in Non-Hispanic White and Black Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 581-582
Author(s):  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne ◽  
Neika Sharifian
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract Prior research has linked more depressive symptoms to worse global cognition in older adulthood through lower leisure activity engagement. Less is known regarding which types of activities drive these associations. Additionally, depressive symptoms disproportionately affect cognition in Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) versus Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). This cross-sectional study used data from the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (n=453, 52% NHB, Mage=63.60 years) to examine whether distinct leisure activities (solitary-cognitive, solitary-creative, community-social, physical, intergenerational-social, cognitive-games) mediated the association between depressive symptoms and global cognition and whether race moderated these associations. Lower engagement in solitary-cognitive activities partially mediated the negative association between depressive symptoms and global cognition. In multi-group models, this indirect effect was only evident in NHBs, who showed a stronger negative association between depressive symptoms and activity engagement than NHWs. While cross-sectional, findings indicate that depressive symptoms may negatively impact cognition by reducing engagement in activities that promote cognitive reserve.

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