scholarly journals Perception of Neighborhood Characteristics During Childhood and Cognitive Health Among Older Adults in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 439-439
Author(s):  
Changmin Peng ◽  
Sae Hwang Han ◽  
Jeffrey Burr
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Neighborhood Characteristics ◽  
Neighborhood Safety ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Childhood Conditions ◽  
Neighborhood Environments

Abstract Neighborhood environments shape the availability of resources for social engagement and social interaction, which are associated with better health outcomes. However, these contextual factors are also considered sources of potential social distress and tension, increasing the risk of subsequent health deficits, including cognitive decline. Our understanding of the linkage between childhood neighborhood environments and cognitive functioning in later life is limited. This study employed three waves of nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2015; N = 11,105) to investigate the relationship between self-reported neighborhood social cohesion during childhood (i.e., neighborhood safety, neighbors willing to help, and close-knit neighborhood) and cognitive functioning (Chinese version of TICS). We employed latent growth curve modeling to test hypotheses relating to life course models of childhood conditions and later life cognitive functioning (the long arm of childhood). The results showed that perceptions regarding the willingness of neighbors to help and close-knit neighborhood characteristics during childhood were positively associated with levels of later life cognitive function. Further, growing up in a neighborhood characterized by the willingness of neighbors to help others was negatively associated with the rate of cognitive decline, net of childhood and adulthood covariates. Self-report of neighborhood safety during childhood was unrelated to cognitive function (level and change). These findings underscored the long-term ramifications of childhood conditions as potential risk factors for later-life cognitive health. Social cohesion at the neighborhood level as experienced during childhood may be a protective factor for healthy cognitive aging among older Chinese adults.

Systematic review of health behavioral risks and cognitive health in older adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunhwan Lee ◽  
Joung Hwan Back ◽  
Jinhee Kim ◽  
Si-Heon Kim ◽  
Duk L. Na ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Health

ABSTRACTBackground:An increasing body of evidence suggests that health behaviors may protect against cognitive impairment and dementia. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current evidence on health behavioral factors predicting cognitive health through a systematic review of the published literature.Methods:PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies on community representative samples aged 65 and older, with prospective cohort design and multivariate analysis. The outcome – cognitive health – was defined as a continuum of cognitive function ranging from cognitive decline to impairment and dementia, and health behaviors included physical activity, smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index, and diet and nutrition.Results:Of 12,105 abstracts identified, 690 relevant full-texts were reviewed. The final yield amounted to 115 articles of which 37 studies were chosen that met the highest standards of quality. Leisure time physical activity, even of moderate level, showed protective effects against dementia, whereas smoking elevated the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Moderate alcohol consumption tended to be protective against cognitive decline and dementia, but nondrinkers and frequent drinkers exhibited a higher risk for dementia and cognitive impairment. Midlife obesity had an adverse effect on cognitive function in later life. Analysis showed vegetable and fish consumption to be of benefit, whereas, persons consuming a diet high in saturated fat had an increased dementia risk.Conclusion:The review demonstrates accumulating evidence supporting health behavioral effects in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Results indicate potential benefits of healthy lifestyles in protecting cognitive health in later life.

scholarly journals Effects of Health-Promoting Lifestyles in Midlife on Cognitive Functioning in Later Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 309-309
Author(s):  
Eunsaem Kim ◽  
Yunhwan Lee ◽  
Jonggak Shin ◽  
Gyeonghui Kim ◽  
Jihye Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Language Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Health Promoting

Abstract Maintaining cognitive function in later life is key to healthy aging because cognitive impairments compromise everyday functional abilities, impeding independent living. Numerous studies have discovered early life experiences and lifestyle behaviors over the lifespan to have substantial influences on cognitive functioning with age. Especially, subtle brain changes related to dementia occur as early as midlife, and lifestyle factors in midlife influence neuropathological development, suggesting that midlife is a critical period for preserving cognitive health in later life. This study investigated the association between lifestyle behaviors in midlife and cognitive performance in later life using 12-year follow-up data from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging (KLoSA). Cognitive function was assessed with the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) for KLoSA. Eight thousand respondents from the KLoSA sample were administered HCAP neuropsychological tests. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether health-promoting lifestyles at baseline (2006) predicted cognitive function in 2018 after controlling for health-related covariates. We identified a positive influence of health-protective behaviors (non-smoking, moderate drinking, regular exercise, weight management, and health screening) at baseline on language abilities in 2018 (β = .05, p < .05). In addition, health-promoting behaviors covering interpersonal relationships, social engagement, optimistic outlook, and positive attitudes at baseline were predictive of language abilities (β = .08, p < .01), executive function (β = .06, p < .01), and the visuospatial ability (β = .06, p < .05) in 2018. This study highlights the importance of midlife health-promoting lifestyles in maintaining cognitive health in later life.

scholarly journals Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongnam Hwang ◽  
Sangmin Park ◽  
Sujin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gender Groups

Cognitive function is a critical health issue in later life, the decline of which disrupts well-being and daily life function. Cognitive decline in older ages can also be understood in the context of the social environment such as social connectedness and engagement in personal life. This study aimed to examine: (1) whether participation in social activities contributes to preventing cognitive decline, and (2) what type of social activities are beneficial to maintaining cognitive function. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) 2006–2014, a longitudinal survey of the household-dwelling population aged 45 and older in Korea were used. The results revealed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased with increasing age, at a rate of approximately 0.18 units across all age-gender groups, and the decrease was steeper for adults aged 65 and over. Participation in social gatherings was likely to delay the decline in cognitive function after the age of 65. In a gender-stratified model, social activity may not have an impact on the decline of cognitive function for men, whereas participation in social gatherings was negatively related to the decline of MMSE scores in women. This study suggests the need for a gender-stratified policy for preventing the decline of cognitive function while promoting engagement in social activities in Korean older adults.

scholarly journals Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Cognitive Function Later in Life: Evidence From a National Survey in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asri Maharani
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Childhood Poverty ◽  
Childhood Conditions

Introduction: Social and economic conditions in childhood have been found to predict cognitive ability in midlife and old age in high-income countries. This study examines the long-term effect of childhood conditions on cognition among a nationally representative sample of older adults in a low- and middle-income country. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the 2014 to 2015 Indonesia Family Life Survey Wave 5 (6676 respondents, aged 50 years and older). Cognitive function was assessed based on total score on a series of tests adapted from the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Retrospective information was collected on childhood poverty, with questions including whether respondents ever experienced hunger before age 15, whether basic facilities were available, and the number of books in the childhood home. We used linear regression to examine the association between childhood conditions and cognitive function in later life. Results: The findings show that the numbers of facilities and books available in childhood homes are substantially associated with cognition in later life after taking adulthood characteristics into account. Childhood hunger has no significant association with cognitive ability in later life. Belonging to an older birth cohort and living in a rural area were shown to have negative associations with cognitive ability in Indonesia. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that childhood poverty, birth cohort, and living in a rural area may contribute to cognitive aging in Indonesia. Policies and interventions that target childhood poverty in developing countries may also recognize the rural–urban divide in access to educational and other socioeconomic resources.

scholarly journals The Association Between Diabetes and Cognitive Function in Later Life

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
Yadollah A. Momtaz ◽  
Tengku A. Hamid ◽  
Mohamad F. Bagat ◽  
Maryam Hazrati
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Introduction: Although diabetes through several possible mechanisms such as increased microvascular pathology and inefficiency of glucose utilization during cognitive tasks can be associated with cognitive impairment, there is inconclusive evidence that shows elderly diabetic patients under therapy have higher cognitive function compared to their non-diabetics counterparts. The present study was conducted to elucidate the association between diabetes and cognitive function in later life. Methods: Data for this study, consisting of 2202 older adults aged 60 years and above, were taken from a population-based survey entitled “Identifying Psychosocial and Identifying Economic Risk Factor of Cognitive Impairment among Elderly. Data analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS Version 23.0. Results: The mean of MMSE was found to be 22.67 (SD = 4.93). The overall prevalence of selfreported diabetes was found to be 23.6% (CI95%: 21.8% - 25.4%). The result of independent t-test showed diabetic subjects had a higher mean score of MMSE (M = 23.05, SD =4 .55) than their counterparts without diabetes (M = 22.55, SD = 5.04) (t = -2.13 p<.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that diabetes was not significantly associated with cognitive function, after controlling the possible confounding factors. Conclusions: The findings from the current study revealed that diabetes is not associated with cognitive decline. This study supports the findings that long-term treatment of diabetes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This finding may provide new opportunities for the prevention and management of cognitive decline.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL CHINA: THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF FORMAL SCHOOLING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S205-S206
Author(s):  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Zhen Cong ◽  
Mengyao Hu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Formal Schooling

Abstract Evidence shows that education is strongly associated with cognitive functioning; however, few studies have examined the effect of education on cognitive decline among older adults with very limited education. Our study analyzed six waves of panel data (2001, 2003 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015) from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. We estimated two-level multilevel models of cognitive functioning for older adults age 60+, sampled using probability sampling strategy. We found that having formal schooling was positively associated with better cognitive functioning. Older adults with formal schooling had slower decline in cognition and the gap in cognition between the literate and illiterate widened with age. These findings highlight the role of early life experience in affecting cognitive function in later life and suggest that disadvantages in cognitive functioning accumulate throughout the life course for persons with no formal education.

Optimizing cognitive development over the life course and preventing cognitive decline: Introducing the Cognitive Health Environment Life Course Model (CHELM)

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaarin J. Anstey
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Differential Development ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Life Course

Optimal cognitive development is defined in this article as the highest level of cognitive function reached in each cognitive domain given a person’s biological and genetic disposition, and the highest possible maintenance of cognitive function over the adult life course. Theoretical perspectives underpinning the development of a framework for understanding optimal cognitive development are described, including differential development, intra-individual dynamics, cascades, biological mechanisms, reserve capacity, and plasticity. The Cognitive Health and Environment Life Course Model (CHELM) is proposed as a means to provide a framework for understanding the socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health factors influencing cognitive development and decline. The CHELM may guide framing of policy and interventions to optimize cognitive development and minimize cognitive decline in late-life.

scholarly journals The influence of childhood adversities on mid to late cognitive function: From the perspective of life course

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256297
Author(s):  
Jing Ma ◽  
Yuanyuan Yang ◽  
Yang Wan ◽  
Chao Shen ◽  
Peiyuan Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Childhood Adversities

Background The effects of childhood adversities on cognitive function in later life are well reported. However, few studies have examined the cumulative mechanism, especially in Chinese population. This study aims to explore this cumulative effects of childhood adversities on mid to late cognitive decline in China. Methods Data were drawn from the second and third wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We included 9,942 respondents aged 45 and above and retrospectively collected information on childhood adversities. Cognitive function was measured in three dimensions: orientation and calculation, immediate memory, and delayed memory. A structural equation model was employed for analysis. Results Age (β = -0.155, P<0.001) and mid to late depressive symptoms (β = -0.041, P<0.001) showed direct effects on cognitive decline. Low mid to late life socioeconomic status (SES) showed a direct effect on mid-late cognitive impairment (β = 0.603, P<0.001) and an indirect effect through depression (β = 0.007, P<0.001). Low childhood SES (β = 0.310, P<0.001), lack of friends (β = 0.208, P<0.001), parental mental health problems (β = 0.008, P<0.001), and poor relationship with parents (β = 0.001, P<0.001) had an indirect effect on cognitive impairment. Conclusions Childhood adversities had negative effects on cognitive function among middle aged and elderly population in China. The findings suggest that early counter measures on childhood adversities may lead to an effective reduction of cognitive impairment.

Abstract WMP115: The Metabolic Syndrome Components and Cognitive Decline: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L Dearborn ◽  
David Knopman ◽  
Richey Sharrett ◽  
Andrea L Schneider ◽  
Clifford Jack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Aric Study

Background: Midlife obesity is associated with dementia in later life, but how the metabolic syndrome (MetS) relates to cognitive change is less understood. We hypothesized that MetS would be more predictive of 6-year cognitive decline than its individual components in a large biethnic cohort (the ARIC study) and that combinations of risk factors would further increase likelihood of change. Methods: The MetS was defined in 1987-89 on 10,687 participants with two cognitive assessments at two time points. In subjects aged 44 to 66, obesity measures included body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WTHR). The main outcome measure was change in 1990-92 to 96-99 of three cognitive tests: Delayed Word Recall (DWR), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Word Fluency Test (WFT). Linear and logistic regressions were all adjusted for age, combined race-center, sex, education, smoking, drinking, coronary artery disease and prior stroke. Change was measured as the difference divided by the number of years between visits. Results: At baseline, the prevalence of MetS was 22% (mean age 54 years, 27% black, 55% female, and 28% BMI>30 kg/m2). Subjects with MetS performed in the lowest test quintile (adjusted ORs: DWR 1.3 95% CI 1.1-1.4) in 1996-99, and much of this effect size was explained by an elevated WTHR (DWR OR 1.3 CI 1.1-1.5) and diabetes (DWR OR 1.4 CI 1.2-1.7). MetS was not associated with annual cognitive change, and diabetes was the only significant component associated with change (adjusted beta: DWR 0.03 p=.01, DSST 0.2 p<.001, WFT 0.09 p=.01). Conclusion: MetS at ages 44 to 66 was associated with worse cognitive function at follow-up, but not with annual cognitive decline over several years. Elevated WTHR and diabetes explained most of the association of MetS with cognitive function measures, and diabetes with cognitive decline. Until we have a definition of the MetS more based on pathophysiology, the components of the MetS should be the focus of analysis in future studies.

scholarly journals Omega 3 fatty acids and cognitive health in older people

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (S2) ◽  
pp. S152-S158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan D. Dangour ◽  
Valentina A. Andreeva ◽  
Emma Sydenham ◽  
Ricardo Uauy
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Cochrane Review ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Age Related

Oily fish and other sources of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs) have been proposed as protective against dementia and age related cognitive impairment. The basic mechanisms underlying these proposed benefits have been postulated and experimental studies supporting the plausibility of the putative effects have been published. Observational epidemiological and case control studies also largely support a protective role of fish consumption on cognitive function with advancing age, albeit with important unexplained heterogeneity in findings. In this review we report the findings of the latest Cochrane review on the benefits of n-3 LCP supplementation on cognitive function among cognitively healthy older people and expand the review by including trials conducted with individuals with prevalent poor cognitive function or dementia. We identified seven relevant trials, four among cognitively healthy older people, and three among individuals with pre-existing cognitive decline or dementia, and overall conclude that there is no evidence to support the routine use of n-3 LCPs supplements for the prevention, or amelioration, of cognitive decline in later life. We identified several challenges in the design of intervention studies for the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline in older people that require careful consideration especially in recruitment and retention in long-term trials. Whether the lack of agreement in findings from mechanistic and observational data and from intervention studies reflects a real absence of benefit on cognitive function from n-3 LCP supplementation, or whether it reflects intrinsic limitations in the design of published studies remains open to question.

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