scholarly journals Childhood infectious diseases and old age cognitive functioning: a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
A. Rotstein ◽  
S. Z. Levine
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Nationally Representative

ABSTRACT Background: Cumulative evidence suggests that health-related risk factors during midlife and old-age are associated with cognitive impairment. However, studies are needed to clarify the association between early-life risk factors and impaired cognitive functioning to increment existing knowledge. Objective: To examine the association between childhood infectious diseases and late-life cognitive functioning in a nationally representative sample of older adults. Participants: Eligible respondents were 2994 community-dwelling individuals aged 65–85. Measurements: Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Childhood infectious diseases (i.e. chicken pox, measles, and mumps) were self-reported. The study covariates were age, sex, highest educational level achieved, smoking status, body mass index, and depression. The primary statistical analysis examined the association between the number of childhood infectious diseases and total MMSE scores, accounting for all study covariates. Regression models of progressive complexity were examined for parsimony. The robustness of the primary results was tested in 17 sensitivity analyses. Results: The most parsimonious model was a linear adjusted model (Bayesian Information Criterion = 12646.09). Late-life cognitive functioning significantly improved as the number of childhood infectious diseases increased (β = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.26; p < 0.001). This effect was not significantly attenuated in all sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: The current study results are consistent with prior ecological findings indicating that some childhood infectious diseases are associated with better cognitive functioning in old-age. This points to an early-life modifiable risk factor associated with older-life cognitive functioning. Our results may reflect selective mortality and/or beneficial effects via hormetic processes.

scholarly journals Association of Early-Life Family and Nieghborhood Circumstances With Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 441-442
Author(s):  
Yan Chen ◽  
Jie Tan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Life Circumstances ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract A growing body of literature suggests that early life circumstances can influence mental health throughout the lifespan. However, how these early life circumstances cumulatively contribute to depression in old age is not completely understood. The present study examined the associations of eight factors representing multifaceted early life experience at individual, family, and community levels with depression among community-dwelling older adults. Data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We included 8,239 community-dwelling individuals who were ≥60 years, completed the life history questionnaire, and had assessment of depression. Chi-square test was used to examine the unadjusted associations between each of the eight early life risk factors and depression. An early life disadvantage index was established using risk factors that were significantly associated with depression. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of each early life risk factor and the index with depression. Of 8,239 individuals included, 2,055 (24.9%) had depression. In bivariate analysis, each of eight early life risk factors was significantly associated with depression. Except for maternal and paternal education, all risk factors persisted to be associated with depression after multivariable adjustment. In the multivariable-adjusted model, a one-point higher in the early life disadvantage index (range: 0-6) was associated with a 45% (95% CI: 37%, 53%) higher odds of depression. There was a strong association between early life environments and depressive symptoms among Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Adverse early life circumstances could contribute cumulatively to depression in old age.

scholarly journals Linking early life risk factors to frailty in old age: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaxi Li ◽  
Qian-Li Xue ◽  
Michelle C Odden ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Chenkai Wu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Childhood Health

Abstract Background exposures in childhood and adolescence may impact the development of diseases and symptoms in late life. However, evidence from low- and middle-income countries is scarce. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the association of early life risk factors with frailty amongst older adults using a large, nationally representative cohort of community-dwelling Chinese sample. Methods we included 6,806 participants aged $\ge$60 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We measured 13 risk factors in childhood or adolescence through self-reports, encompassing six dimensions (education, family economic status, nutritional status, domestic violence, neighbourhood and health). We used multinomial regression models to examine the association between risk factors and frailty. We further calculated the absolute risk difference for the statistically significant factors. Results persons with higher personal and paternal education attainment, better childhood neighbourhood quality and better childhood health status had lower risk of being frail in old age. Severe starvation in childhood was associated with higher risk of prefrailty. The risk differences of being frail were 5.6% lower for persons with a high school or above education, 1.5% lower for those whose fathers were literate, 4.8% lower for the highest neighbourhood quality and 2.9% higher for worse childhood health status compared to their counterparts. Conclusions unfavorable socioeconomic status and worse health condition in childhood and adolescence may increase the risk of late-life frailty amongst Chinese older adults.

scholarly journals Trajectories of Homebound Status in Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 65 and Older

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Xiang ◽  
Jieling Chen ◽  
MinHee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the trajectories of homebound status in older adults and to investigate the risk factors in shaping the pattern of these trajectories. Research Design and Methods The study sample was a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older (N = 7,607) from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (Round 1–Round 7). Homebound state was defined as never or rarely went out the home in the last month. Homebound trajectories were identified using an enhanced group-based trajectory modeling that accounted for nonrandom attrition. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine risk factors of homebound trajectories. Results Three trajectory groups were identified: the “never” group (65.5%) remained nonhomebound; the “chronic” group were largely persistently homebound (8.3%); and the “onset” group (26.2%) had a rapid increase in their risk of being homebound over the 7-year period. The following factors increased the relative risk for being on the “onset” and “chronic” versus the “never” trajectory: older age, Hispanic ethnicity, social isolation, past or current smoking, instrumental activities of daily living limitations, probable dementia, and use of a walker or wheelchair. Male sex and living alone were associated with a lower risk of being on the “chronic” trajectory, whereas depression and anxiety symptoms, chronic conditions, and activities of daily living limitations increased the risk. Discussion and Implications The progression of homebound status among community-dwelling older adults followed three distinct trajectories over a 7-year period. Addressing social isolation and other risk factors may prevent or delay the progression to homebound state.

scholarly journals Cross-Country Differences and Similarities in Undernutrition Prevalence and Risk as Measured by SCREEN II in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Jos W. Borkent ◽  
Heather Keller ◽  
Carol Wham ◽  
Fleur Wijers ◽  
Marian A. E. de van der Schueren
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Nutritional Risk ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Data Sampling ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Nutrition Risk ◽  
Screen Ii ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Undernutrition is highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults. Early identification of nutrition risk is important to prevent or treat undernutrition. This study describes the prevalence rates of nutrition risk in community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 65) using the same validated tool across different countries and aims to identify differences in nutritional risk factors. Cross-sectional data was obtained from three datasets including participants from the Netherlands (NL), Canada (CA) and New Zealand (NZ). Seniors in the Community Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition II (SCREEN II) was used to assess nutritional risk factors and prevalence of risk. Differences between countries were tested with logistic and linear regression. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the influence of sampling strategy. A total of 13,340 participants were included, and 66.3% were found to be at high nutrition risk. After stratifying the data for method of data sampling, prevalence rates showed some differences across countries (NL: 61.5%, NZ: 68.2%, CA: 70.1%). Risk factor items that contributed to nutrition risk also differed among countries: NZ and CA participants scored higher for weight change, skipping meals, problems with meal preparation, use of meal replacements, problems with biting and chewing, low fluid intake and problems with doing groceries, as compared to participants in NL. Low intake of fruits and vegetables and meat were more prevalent in NL. In conclusion: nutrition risk is a worldwide, highly prevalent problem among community-dwelling older adults, but risk factors contributing to nutrition risk differ by country.

scholarly journals Incidence and risk factors of depressive symptoms in 4 years of follow-up among mid-aged and elderly community-dwelling Chinese adults: findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Wen ◽  
Chunjuan Liu ◽  
Jing Liao ◽  
Yiqiong Yin ◽  
Dongmei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Nationally Representative

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of depressive symptoms, and determine if baseline risk factors conferred a risk for incident depressive symptoms in nationally representative sample of mid-aged and elderly Chinese adults.DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort from a nationally representative sample.SettingCommunity samples were recruited from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A four-stage, stratified, cluster probability sampling strategy was used, which included 10 257 households with members aged 45 years or older and their spouse.ParticipantsA total of 11 533 participants free of depressive symptoms at baseline were identified, and 10 288 were re-examined in either the first and/or the second follow-up surveys. The current analysis was conducted among the 10 288 participants.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDepressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale short form.ResultsThe findings showed that the incidence of depressive symptoms in a 4-year follow-up was as high as 22.3%. The incidence was much higher in rural areas (25.7%) and in women (27.9%). Furthermore, participants with 1 hour longer of night-time sleep had a 10% lower risk of developing depressive symptoms. Compared with individuals who perceived their health status as poor, those who perceived their health status as excellent had a 62% lower risk of developing depressive symptoms. In addition, having diabetes (OR=1.19), chronic kidney disease (OR=1.32), chronic digestive disorders (OR=1.15) and arthritis (OR=1.43) at baseline increased the risk of depressive symptoms. However, baseline body mass index was not associated with the subsequent depressive symptoms in this population.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of developing an appropriate screening test to identify depressive symptoms for those who are vulnerable and ensure these individuals can receive early interventions for depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Longitudinal relationship of diabetes and depressive symptoms in older adults from Mexico: a secondary data analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001789
Author(s):  
Teresa Alvarez-Cisneros ◽  
Paloma Roa-Rojas ◽  
Carmen Garcia-Peña
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Health Factors ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Common Risk Factors ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Relationship Of

IntroductionSeveral studies have argued a causal relationship between diabetes and depression, while others have highlighted that their association is a result of common risk factors. Because Mexico is a country with a high prevalence of diabetes, and diabetes and depression are a frequent comorbidity, we chose this country to investigate the longitudinal relationship of these two conditions, focusing on the influence of demographic, health, and socioeconomic factors which could act as common risk factors for both conditions.Research design and methodsUsing the harmonized Mexican Health and Aging Study, a nationally representative sample of adults older than 50 with a response rate of 93%, we analyzed the longitudinal relationship of diabetes and depressive symptoms using ‘between-within’ random-effects models, focusing on the effect of demographic, socioeconomic and health factors.ResultsWhile older adults with diabetes reported a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in the four waves of the study, there was no causal longitudinal association between them once controlling for demographic, socioeconomic and health factors (between-effect OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.01; within-effect OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.11).ConclusionsThere is no causal longitudinal association between diabetes and depression; the higher prevalence of depression among older adults with diabetes seems a result of socioeconomic and health factors that are not exclusive to respondents with diabetes but are more frequent in this group. Our results highlight the importance of prevention and control of chronic conditions as well as the role of socioeconomic inequalities in mental health.

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