scholarly journals Social Relationships in Early Life and Episodic Memory in Mid- and Late Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenmei Zhang ◽  
Hongwei Xu ◽  
Lydia W Li ◽  
Jinyu Liu ◽  
Seung-won Emily Choi
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Parent Child Relationship ◽  
Variable Approach ◽  
Retrospective Reports ◽  
Lagged Dependent Variable

Abstract Objectives This study examines the longitudinal relationships between retrospective reports of early-life social relationships (i.e., having good friends, parent–child relationship quality, and childhood neighborhood social cohesion) and episodic memory in China. Methods We analyzed 2 waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The analytical sample included 9,285 respondents aged 45 and older at baseline. A lagged dependent variable approach was used to estimate the associations between measures of early-life social relationships and episodic memory change at the study’s 4-year follow-up. Results Retrospective reports of better early-life social relationships are significantly associated with higher levels of episodic memory performance in 2015 among middle-aged and older Chinese, controlling for episodic memory in 2011, childhood socioeconomic status, adulthood sociodemographic variables, and the history of stroke. Educational attainment accounts for a significant portion of the associations between early-life social relationships and episodic memory. In contrast, mental health and social engagement in adulthood account for a small part of these associations. Discussion The findings suggest that positive early-life social relationships are beneficial for episodic memory in mid- and late life, and more research is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals OLD-AGE DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: THE ROLE OF EARLY-LIFE FINANCIAL STRAIN AND LATE-LIFE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S5-S6
Author(s):  
Federico Triolo ◽  
Linnea Sjöberg ◽  
Davide Vetrano ◽  
Alexander Darin-Mattsson ◽  
Marco Bertolotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
National Study

Abstract It remains unclear if childhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with depression in old age. This study aims to investigate the effect of childhood financial strain on depressive symptoms in old age, and to examine whether late-life social engagement modifies this association. Data from the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, a community-based longitudinal study of aging, spanning clinical assessments over 15 years of follow-up were used. Information on financial strain in childhood was collected at baseline. Repeated measures of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale were used to define depressive trajectories. A social engagement index comprised information on baseline social network and leisure activities. Linear mixed models were used to estimate depressive trajectories. Childhood financial strain was associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms (β = 0.36; p<0.05), but not the rate of symptom accumulation over time. Relative to those with a combination of no financial strain and active social engagement, the level of depressive symptoms was progressively increased in those without financial strain but with inactive social engagement (β = 0.29; p<0.05), as well as in those with both financial strain and inactive engagement (β= 0.83; p<0.05). Individuals with financial strain who had active social engagement exhibited a similar burden of symptoms as those without financial strain and with rich social engagement. Early-life financial strain may have a lasting effect on old age depressive symptoms, although its detrimental consequences may be modified by active social engagement in late life.

Structural and Functional Aspects of Social Relationships and Episodic Memory: Between-Person and Within-Person Associations in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Gizem Hülür
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Contact Frequency

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> A growing body of research has documented associations between social relationships and cognitive function, while findings are less clear regarding specific aspects of social relationships that are relevant to change in cognitive function. Furthermore, it is unclear whether associations differ at the between-person and within-person levels. <b><i>Method:</i></b> The present study used 8-year longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine the role of structural (partnered/married, number of social network partners, and contact frequency) as well as functional (support, strain, and loneliness) aspects of social relationships for episodic memory at the between-person and within-person levels. Analyses are based on up to 3 waves of data from 19,297 participants (mean age at baseline = 66 years, SD = 10, range = 50–104; 58% women). Control variables include age at baseline, gender, education, functional health, and depressive symptoms. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Findings showed that at the between-person level, most structural and functional aspects were related to levels of memory performance, with participants with higher numbers of social network members, more frequent contact, and more positive experiences outperforming others. An exception was a higher number of family (child or relative) relationships. At the within-person level, on occasions where participants had a higher number of close family relationships than usual, had more social contact than usual, and felt less lonely than usual, they also showed higher than usual episodic memory performance. Finally, negative effects of social strain and loneliness on episodic memory performance at the between-person level were moderated by social network size, indicating that effects were more negative among individuals with larger social networks. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Both structural and functional aspects of social relationships contribute to between-person differences in levels and fluctuations of episodic memory performance. Ups and downs of relationships to relatives, social contact, and feelings of loneliness contribute to ups and downs of episodic memory. Potential mechanisms underlying these associations are discussed.

Impact of Comorbid Depression on Serial Position Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease

GeroPsych ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke A. Hofrichter ◽  
Sandra Dick ◽  
Thomas G. Riemer ◽  
Carsten Schleussner ◽  
Monique Goerke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Serial Position ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Word List ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
Serial Position Effects ◽  
List Memory

Hippocampal dysfunction and deficits in episodic memory have been reported for both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Primacy performance has been associated with hippocampus-dependent episodic memory, while recency may reflect working memory performance. In this study, serial position profiles were examined in a total of 73 patients with MDD, AD, both AD and MDD, and healthy controls (HC) by means of CERAD-NP word list memory. Primacy performance was most impaired in AD with comorbid MDD, followed by AD, MDD, and HC. Recency performance, on the other hand, was comparable across groups. These findings indicate that primacy in AD is impaired in the presence of comorbid MDD, suggesting additive performance decrements in this specific episodic memory function.

Knowledge is power: prior knowledge aids memory formation for both congruent and incongruent events, but in different ways.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Greve ◽  
Elisa Cooper ◽  
Roni Tibon ◽  
Richard Henson
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
World Knowledge ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Power Prior

Events that conform to our expectations, i.e, are congruent with our world knowledge or schemas, are better remembered than unrelated events. Yet events that conflict with schemas can also be remembered better. We examined this apparent paradox in four experiments, in which schemas were established by training ordinal relationships between randomly-paired objects, while episodic memory was tested for the number of objects on each trial. Better memory was found for both congruent and incongruent trials, relative to unrelated trials, producing memory performance that was a “U-shaped” function of congruency. Furthermore, the incongruency advantage, but not congruency advantage, emerged even if the information probed by the memory test was irrelevant to the schema, while the congruency advantage, but not incongruency advantage, also emerged after initial encoding. Schemas therefore augment episodic memory in multiple ways, depending on the match between novel and existing information.

scholarly journals Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abbey Hamlin ◽  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

scholarly journals Effects of physical activity on cognitive function among patients with diabetes in China: a nationally longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anying Bai ◽  
Liyuan Tao ◽  
Jia Huang ◽  
Jing Tao ◽  
Jue Liu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Lagged Dependent Variable

Abstract Background We aimed to examine the effect of physical activity on different cognitive domains among patients with diabetes. Methods We used two waves of data from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2013–2015), a nationally representative dataset of Chinese population aged over 45. Total physical activity scores were calculated based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Executive function and episodic memory were used as measures of cognitive function. We conducted lagged dependent variable models to explore the association between physical activity and cognitive function in full sample as well as two different age groups (45–65, ≥65). Results: 862 diabetic patients were included. We found that diabetic participants who had greater level of physical activity at baseline were associated with better episodic memory function in 2 years (p < 0.05). Moreover, physical activity was significantly associated with less decline in episodic memory in fully adjusted models, and the associations were stronger among patients aged 45–65 years (p < 0.05). No statistically significant association was found between physical activity and executive function in all age groups. Conclusions Physical activity may prevent some of the potential decline in episodic memory in diabetic patients. Clinicians and public health departments should strengthen the promotion of physical activity and develop early screening tools among diabetic participants to prevent the progression of cognitive impairment.

033 The effect of sleep disturbance on cognition in late-life depression

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A15-A15
Author(s):  
Andrea Ricciardiello ◽  
Sharon Naismith ◽  
Angela D’Rozario ◽  
Fiona Kumfor ◽  
Rick Wassing
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Late Life Depression

Abstract Introduction Late-life depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in older adults and is associated with cognitive deficits, however, the role of sleep disturbance in cognitive deficits is poorly defined. In the current study we aimed to examine sleep macro and micro-architecture differences between those with late-life depression and controls. Secondly, we sought to determine how sleep changes relate to clinical memory and executive function measures in those with late-life depression and controls. Methods Using prior clinical data, this retrospective study assessed adults &gt;50 years who had completed an overnight PSG study and comprehensive psychiatric, neuropsychological, and medical assessment. Memory performance was measured using the Weschler Memory Scale logical Memory 1 and 2 components, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Senior) 30-minute recall and Rey Complex Figure 3-minute recall. Executive function was defined by z scores from Trail Making Test, D-KEFS Stroop Test and Controlled Oral Word Association Test. The sample comprised of 71 depressed participants, defined by a Geriatric Depression Scale score ≥6, and 101 non-depressed participants (GDS &lt;6 and no lifetime history of depression using DSM-IV criteria). Results Contrary to our hypothesis no significant macroarchitectural differences were observed between the groups. Less time spent in slow-wave sleep (SWS) was associated with worse delayed memory recall scores in the depression group (z=.342, p=0.008) although this was not seen in the control group. SWS and slow wave activity (SWA) were not related to measures of executive function performance. Depressed participants demonstrated a reduced level of sleep spindles (Dep= 159 ±142.8, con= 213±163, p=.03) although there were no associations with memory outcomes. Conclusion Compared to younger adults with depression, macroarchitectural differences in those with late-life depression are not as pronounced, due to a reduction of SWS and SWA power as a function of ageing. The efficiency of SWS hippocampal dependent memory processes in depression may be reduced, therefore, more time spent in SWS is related to better memory performance. This study assessed the density of sleep spindles but not spindle and slow wave oscillation coupling which may be more important for hippocampal dependent memory. Support (if any):

Caregiving adversity during infancy and preschool cognitive function: adaptations to context?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Anne Rifkin-Graboi ◽  
Shaun Kok-Yew Goh ◽  
Hui Jun Chong ◽  
Stella Tsotsi ◽  
Lit Wee Sim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Maternal Sensitivity ◽  
Wald Test ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pedagogical Strategies ◽  
Framework Approach

Abstract From a conditional adaptation vantage point, early life caregiving adversity likely enhances aspects of cognition needed to manage interpersonal threats. Yet, research examining early life care and offspring cognition predominantly relies upon experiments including affectively neutral stimuli, with findings generally interpreted as “early-life caregiving adversity is, de facto, ‘bad’ for cognitive performance.” Here, in a Southeast Asian sample, we examined observed maternal sensitivity in infancy and cognitive performance 3 years later as preschoolers took part in three tasks, each involving both a socioemotional (SE) and non-socioemotional (NSE) version: relational memory (n = 236), cognitive flexibility (n = 203), and inhibitory control (n = 255). Results indicate the relation between early life caregiving adversity and memory performance significantly differs (Wald test = 7.67, (1), P = 0.006) depending on the SE versus NSE context, with maternal sensitivity in infancy highly predictive of worse memory for SE stimuli, and amongst girls, also predictive of better memory when NSE stimuli are used. Results concerning inhibitory control, as well as cognitive flexibility in girls, also tentatively suggest the importance of considering the SE nature of stimuli when assessing relations between the caregiving environment and cognitive performance. As not all approaches to missing data yielded similar results, implications for statistical approaches are elaborated. We conclude by considering how an adaptation-to-context framework approach may aid in designing pedagogical strategies and well-being interventions that harness pre-existing cognitive strengths.

scholarly journals Bi-Temporal Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Slow-Wave Sleep Boosts Slow-Wave Density but Not Memory Consolidation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 410
Author(s):  
Simon Ruch ◽  
Kristoffer Fehér ◽  
Stephanie Homan ◽  
Yosuke Morishima ◽  
Sarah Maria Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Memory Consolidation ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Slow Wave Sleep ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Sleep Parameters ◽  
Episodic Memories

Slow-wave sleep (SWS) has been shown to promote long-term consolidation of episodic memories in hippocampo–neocortical networks. Previous research has aimed to modulate cortical sleep slow-waves and spindles to facilitate episodic memory consolidation. Here, we instead aimed to modulate hippocampal activity during slow-wave sleep using transcranial direct current stimulation in 18 healthy humans. A pair-associate episodic memory task was used to evaluate sleep-dependent memory consolidation with face–occupation stimuli. Pre- and post-nap retrieval was assessed as a measure of memory performance. Anodal stimulation with 2 mA was applied bilaterally over the lateral temporal cortex, motivated by its particularly extensive connections to the hippocampus. The participants slept in a magnetic resonance (MR)-simulator during the recordings to test the feasibility for a future MR-study. We used a sham-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced randomized, within-subject crossover design. We show that stimulation vs. sham significantly increased slow-wave density and the temporal coupling of fast spindles and slow-waves. While retention of episodic memories across sleep was not affected across the entire sample of participants, it was impaired in participants with below-average pre-sleep memory performance. Hence, bi-temporal anodal direct current stimulation applied during sleep enhanced sleep parameters that are typically involved in memory consolidation, but it failed to improve memory consolidation and even tended to impair consolidation in poor learners. These findings suggest that artificially enhancing memory-related sleep parameters to improve memory consolidation can actually backfire in those participants who are in most need of memory improvement.

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