scholarly journals Parks and Safety: How Cognitive Decline May Impact Access and Perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 704-704
Author(s):  
Philippa Clarke ◽  
Michael Esposito ◽  
Joy Bohyun Jang ◽  
Sandra Tang ◽  
Anam Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Property Crime ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Subjective Perceptions ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
Subjective Reports

Abstract Older adults’ perceptions of the presence and quality of neighborhood resources provide important information about the potential benefit of those resources but are not necessarily concordant with the actual physical resources available in that environment. There is debate about whether subjective perceptions of local context are more important for individual behavior and well-being than objective indicators of resources. However, little research has examined how cognitive function is related to differences in the perceived availability and quality of neighborhood resources among older adults. We found that subjective reports of neighborhood safety and adequacy of parks were positively associated with objective measures of property crime and park density. Cognitive function was associated with higher subjective neighborhood evaluations, but adults with lower cognitive function reported more discordance between objective and subjective measures of neighborhood resources. These findings inform how neighborhood resources may have different consequences for older adults experiencing cognitive decline.

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 The Association Between the Changes in General, Family, and Financial Aspects of Quality of Life and Their Effects on Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population: The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, 2008–2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonjeong Chae ◽  
Eun-Cheol Park ◽  
Sung-In Jang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Korean Elderly

Background The growing aging population is a global phenomenon and a major public health challenge. Among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, Korea is the fastest aging country. We aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in quality of life (QOL) and cognitive function in older adults. Method: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging collected from 2008 to 2016 were used. In 3453 participants (men: 1943; women: 1541), QOL was measured by three aspects: general, financial, and familial. Changes in QOL status were assessed by four categories: remained poor, worsened, improved, and remained good. The level of cognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination score (MMSE, normal range cut-off value: 24 or above). For the statistical analysis, the generalized equation model (GEE) was performed. Results: For all three aspects of QOL measured, participants whose QOL score remained poor were associated with cognitive decline that their odds ratios (OR) were statistically significant (general: OR = 1.33; familial: OR = 1.39; financial: OR = 1.40). For subgroup analysis by gender, the highest OR in men was the financial aspect of QOL (OR = 1.45); in women, the highest OR was the familial aspect of QOL (OR = 1.75). Conclusion: This study showed an association between QOL and cognitive function in a Korean elderly population. Our findings suggest that QOL measurements with a gender-specific approach can be used as a tool to detect cognitive changes in older adults and help prevent or delay cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Cognitive Function and Well-being in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Cognitive Function and Well-being in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and well-being in caregivers of persons with dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals CAN NEIGHBORHOOD AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTS MODIFY COGNITIVE DECLINE? FINDINGS FROM THE REGARDS STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S26-S26
Author(s):  
Philippa J Clarke ◽  
Jessica M Finlay
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Regards Study

Abstract Environmental factors may significantly increase the risk of, or buffer against, age-related cognitive decline, yet policies and practices to improve cognitive health outcomes to date largely overlook the role of neighborhoods and socio-physical environmental contexts. Residence in socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods may promote cognitive function through greater density of physical and social resources (e.g., libraries, parks, coffee shops, air conditioning, community centers) that promote physical activity, facilitate mental stimulation, and encourage social engagement. This symposium will identify natural, built, and social environmental factors linked to changes in cognitive function over time (assessed by animal naming and world list learning tests) based on secondary data analyses of a national, racially diverse (42% Black), population-based sample of over 30,000 Americans aged 45+ in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study followed annually since 2003. The first two papers investigate the roles of racial residential segregation and education on cognitive function disparities at the neighborhood and city scale. The third paper explores fast-food restaurants as socially interactive community spaces for older adults that may help buffer against cognitive decline. The fourth paper investigates effects of local air temperature on cognitive testing performance, and discusses how regional differences and seasonality may buffer or exacerbate temperature-cognition associations. Altogether, the symposium elucidates how cognitive health is impacted by a complex interplay of individual and geographic factors. The papers inform policy-making efforts to improve physical neighborhood environments and social community contexts, which are critical to the well-being of older adults aging in place.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and well-being in caregivers of persons with dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Visual Impairment and Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 529-530
Author(s):  
Niranjani Nagarajan ◽  
Bonnielin Swenor ◽  
Lama Assi ◽  
Joshua Ehrlich ◽  
Heather Whitson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Fields ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Functional Changes

Abstract Cognitive and visual impairments frequently coexist. With the aging of populations worldwide, the prevalence of these conditions are projected to increase substantially over time. A number of studies suggest that cognitive function and vision impairment are associated, and it is hypothesized to be due to a (1) common cause etiology, where both share common risk factors, and/or (2) causal association, where visual impairment causes cognitive decline. Sensory loss can lead to increased cognitive load, structural and functional changes in the brain, and/or decreased emotional, social, and physical well-being, all of which could potentially increase the risk of cognitive impairment. We conducted a systematic review of the existing literature, examining the association between cognitive and visual impairment among older adults. A total of 80 observational studies that reported a measure of association between visual and cognitive function and met the following criteria were included: (1) cross-sectional or longitudinal study design, (2) baseline mean age of participants ≥50 years, and (3) sample size of ≥100 participants. Of these 80 studies, 56 found a positive, significant association between visual function and cognitive decline. Forty-nine of the 56 studies used objective measures to test for visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, or visual fields. The sample included participants from 14 countries, including the US, UK, China, and Australia among others. Converging evidence of an association between vision impairment and subsequent cognitive decline suggests that visual impairment is a possible modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. This hypothesis should be tested in prospective, controlled studies.

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