scholarly journals Cognitive Activity as a Moderator of Educational Attainment and Work Status in Cognitive Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 290-291
Author(s):  
Mirjam Stieger ◽  
Margie Lachman
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Work Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Lower Education

Abstract Cross-sectional findings showed that education differences in memory performance were moderated by frequent cognitive activity (Lachman et al., 2010). The present study examined whether frequent cognitive activity could compensate for lower education when focusing on change in cognitive performance across nine years. The study also explored whether cognitive activity can slow down declines in retired adults as previous research suggested that retiring is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline (e.g., Wickrama et al., 2013). Longitudinal data from the MIDUS study included N = 3,325 middle-aged and older adults. Outcome variables were two factors of cognitive performance: Episodic Memory (EM) and Executive Functioning (EF). Independent variables were years of education, work status (working vs. retired), and frequency of cognitive activity. The results suggest that cognitive activity moderated the effect of educational attainment on change in EM. Individuals with both higher education and cognitive activity showed the smallest declines in EM. Individuals with lower educational attainment but high cognitive activity had less decline in EM compared to their low education counterparts. Those who increased their cognitive activity over time showed less decline in EF. In terms of work status, working adults had less decline in EM and EF compared to retired adults and retired adults who did not maintain their cognitive activity declined more in EF. The results emphasize the importance of frequent engagement in cognitive activity across the lifespan, which can attenuate cognitive declines especially among those who have lower education or have retired.

scholarly journals C-24 Longitudinal Trajectories of Working Memory Performance in Typically Aging Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1053-1053
Author(s):  
M Gonzalez Catalan ◽  
C Lindbergh ◽  
A Staffaroni ◽  
S Walters ◽  
K Casaletto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Random Slopes ◽  
Aging Adults

Abstract Objective Cross-sectional studies have shown age-related differences in working memory (WM), but the trajectory is unclear due to the scarcity of longitudinal studies. Additional research is needed to better characterize the course of age-related changes in WM in older adults. The present study sought to address this gap in the literature by conducting serial assessments of WM in a longitudinally followed cohort of typically aging adults. We hypothesized a significant age × time interaction, such that WM would show pronounced declines with advancing age. Methods 640 functionally intact participants in an aging cohort (clinical dementia rating = 0; age range 52-99, mean age = 75) completed a computerized WM measure, Running Letter Memory (RLM), every ~15 months for up to 8.5 years (mean follow-up = 1.9 years). Longitudinal changes in RLM scores were analyzed using linear mixed effects models, allowing for random slopes and intercepts. All models were adjusted for sex and education. Results RLM performance did not significantly decline over time (b = -.14, p = .43). As hypothesized, there was a significant age × time interaction predicting RLM scores (b = -.08, p = .006). Specifically, RLM performance remained relatively stable (or slightly improved) until around age 75, beyond which increasingly precipitous declines were observed with advancing age. Conclusion The present results suggest that WM performance does not evidence declines until the mid-70s in typically aging adults, at which point increasingly steep decline trajectories are observed with advancing age. These findings highlight that cognitive aging does not occur at a constant rate in late life.

scholarly journals Investment Trait, Activity Engagement, and Age: Independent Effects on Cognitive Ability

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie von Stumm
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Need For Cognition ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Investment Theory

In cognitive aging research, the “engagement hypothesis” suggests that the participation in cognitively demanding activities helps maintain better cognitive performance in later life. In differential psychology, the “investment” theory proclaims that age differences in cognition are influenced by personality traits that determine when, where, and how people invest their ability. Although both models follow similar theoretical rationales, they differ in their emphasis of behavior (i.e., activity engagement) versus predisposition (i.e., investment trait). The current study compared a cognitive activity engagement scale (i.e., frequency of participation) with an investment trait scale (i.e., need for cognition) and tested their relationship with age differences in cognition in 200 British adults. Age was negatively associated with fluid and positively with crystallized ability but had no relationship with need for cognition and activity engagement. Need for cognition was positively related to activity engagement and cognitive performance; activity engagement, however, was not associated with cognitive ability. Thus, age differences in cognitive ability were largely independent of engagement and investment.

scholarly journals Important considerations when assessing the effect of essential fatty acids on cognitive performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aayush Visaria ◽  
David Lo ◽  
Pranay Maniar
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Mental Comorbidities ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
Methodological Considerations

Abstract Over the past decade, there have been many studies determining the effect of dietary ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids intake on cognitive performance; however, they have largely been inconsistent in their conclusions. In this letter, we provide context to the article by Dong et al., titled “Association of dietary ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids intake with cognitive performance in older adults: National Health and nutrition examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014” and provide methodological considerations with regards to covariate measurement and inclusion that can be generalized to future cross-sectional studies. In particular, delineating 1) the type and source of fatty acid, in context of an individual’s overall dietary patterns, 2) sociobehavioral risk factors and physical & mental comorbidities, 3) and daily cognitive activity are important to adequately control for covariates.

scholarly journals Positive Psychosocial Factors and Cognition in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura B. Zahodne ◽  
Caitlin W.-M. Watson ◽  
Sonia Seehra ◽  
Michelle N. Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multiple Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Washington Heights ◽  
Racial Ethnic

AbstractObjectives: Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from largely non-Hispanic White cohorts suggests that positive psychosocial factors, particularly self-efficacy and social support, may protect against late-life cognitive decline. Identifying potentially protective factors in racial/ethnic minority elders is of high importance due to their increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The overall goal of this study was to characterize cross-sectional associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive domains among Black, Hispanic, and White older adults. Methods: A total of 548 older adults (41% Black, 28% Hispanic, 31% White) in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project completed cognitive and psychosocial measures from the NIH Toolbox and standard neuropsychological tests. Multiple-group regressions were used to compare cross-sectional associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognition across racial/ethnic groups, independent of demographics, depressive symptoms, and physical health. Results: Positive associations between self-efficacy and language did not significantly differ across race/ethnicity, although the bivariate association between self-efficacy and language was not significant among Hispanics. Additional positive associations were observed for Whites and Blacks, but not Hispanics. Negative associations between emotional support and purpose in life and working memory were seen only in Hispanics. Conclusions: Results confirm and extend the link between self-efficacy and cognition in late life, particularly for White and Black older adults. Previous studies on positive psychosocial factors in cognitive aging may not be generalizable to Hispanics. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to determine whether negative relationships between certain psychosocial factors and cognition in Hispanics reflect reverse causation, threshold effects, and/or negative aspects of having a strong social network. (JINS, 2018, 24, 294–304)

scholarly journals Cross-sectional and prospective relationship between occupational and leisure-time inactivity and cognitive function in an ageing population: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) study

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1338-1352
Author(s):  
Shabina A Hayat ◽  
Robert Luben ◽  
Nick Wareham ◽  
Kay-Tee Khaw ◽  
Carol Brayne
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background The current evidence for higher physical activity and better cognitive function and lower risk of dementia is strong but not conclusive. More robust evidence is needed to inform public-health policy. We provide further insight into discrepancies observed across studies, reporting on habitual inactivity including that during work. Methods We examined cross-sectional and prospective relationships of physical inactivity during leisure and occupation time, with cognitive performance using a validated physical-activity index in a cohort of 8585 men and women aged 40–79 years at baseline (1993–1997) for different domains using a range of cognitive measures. Cognitive testing was conducted between 2006 and 2011 (including a pilot phase 2004–2006). Associations were examined using multinomial logistic-regression adjusting for socio-demographic and health variables as well total habitual physical activity. Results Inactivity during work was inversely associated with poor cognitive performance (bottom 10th percentile of a composite cognition score): odds ratio (OR) = 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54, 0.86], P = 0.001. Results were similar cross-sectionally: OR = 0.65 (95% CI 0.45, 0.93), P = 0.02. Manual workers had increased risk of poor performance compared with those with an occupation classified as inactive. Inactivity during leisure time was associated with increased risk of poor performance in the cross-sectional analyses only. Conclusions The relationship between inactivity and cognition is strongly confounded by education, social class and occupation. Physical activity during leisure may be protective for cognition, but work-related physical activity is not protective. A greater understanding of the mechanisms and confounding underlying these paradoxical findings is needed.

scholarly journals Educational Attainment and Tobacco Harm Knowledge Among American Adults: Diminished Returns of African Americans and Hispanics

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari ◽  
Mohsen Bazargan
Keyword(s):  
African Americans ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
High Educational Attainment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Educational

Background and aims: Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) refer to the smaller effects of educational attainment for ethnic minorities compared to the majority group. As a result of MDRs, research has documented more than expected tobacco use among Hispanics and African Americans (AAs) with high educational attainment. In theory, some of this increased risk may be due to lower tobacco harm knowledge. Accordingly, the present study compared ethnic groups for the association between educational attainment and tobacco harm knowledge among American adults in order to better understand a potential mechanism behind MDRs of educational attainment on tobacco use of Hispanics and AAs. Methods: The current cross-sectional study used baseline data of 27,405 adults, which were obtained from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (2013) study a nationally representative survey in the United States. The independent and dependent variables were educational attainment and tobacco harm knowledge, respectively. In addition, age, gender, employment, and poverty status were the covariates and ethnicity was the moderator. Finally, linear regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Educational attainment was inversely associated with tobacco harm knowledge in the pooled sample (b=0.11, 95% CI=0.09 - 0.13). Ethnicity showed a statistically significant interaction with educational attainment (b=-0.05, 95% CI=-0.10 - 0.00 for AAs and b=-0.14, 95% CI=-0.19 - -0.09 for Hispanics versus non-Hispanics), suggesting that the effect of educational attainment on tobacco harm knowledge was smaller for Hispanics and AAs compared to non-Hispanics and Whites. Conclusion: In general, although high educational attainment increases tobacco harm knowledge, highly educated Hispanics and AAs still report a disproportionately low level of tobacco harm knowledge. Eventually, the MDRs of educational attainment on tobacco harm knowledge may explain why highly educated Hispanics remain at high risk of tobacco use.

scholarly journals Findings From the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project: Individual Differences, Well-Being, and Cognition

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 591-592
Author(s):  
Karen Siedlecki
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (VCAP) is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of cognitive functioning in a large sample of healthy community-dwelling adults between the ages of18-99 years (Salthouse,2009). Data are collected on several domains of cognitive functioning and subjective ratings of cognition, as well as a myriad of individual difference characteristics including self-reports of physical activity, cognitive activity, social support, personality, well-being, and affective measures. This symposium focuses on findings from VCAP that examine cross-sectional and longitudinal links between individual difference characteristics, indicators of well-being, and objective and subjective cognition. These topics include the cross-sectional assessment of >5,000 participants on the mediating role of Need for Cognition on the relationship between cognition and well-being (Yazdani & Siedlecki) and the relationship between social support and ratings of subjective cognition (Mueller & Minahan). Jung uses cross-lagged analyses to assess temporal relationships between physical and cognitive activity and cognition. Falzarano et al. present findings regarding the longitudinal relationship between subjective and objective measures of cognition. Finally, Minahan and Siedlecki present findings examining the temporal relationship between ratings of loneliness and depression over time. The symposium provides insights into the complex role of individual differences characteristics and cognitive functioning across the adult lifespan.

scholarly journals Predictors of Episodic Memory Performance Across Educational Strata: Multiple-Group Comparisons

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (09) ◽  
pp. 901-909
Author(s):  
Laiss Bertola ◽  
Caitlin Wei-Ming Watson ◽  
Justina F. Avila ◽  
Laura B. Zahodne ◽  
Milou Angevaare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Model Specification ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
Multiple Group ◽  
Educational Groups ◽  
Unique Predictor

AbstractObjectives: Low educational attainment is a risk factor for more rapid cognitive aging, but there is substantial variability in cognitive trajectories within educational groups. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that confer resilience to memory decline within educational strata. Methods: We selected 2573 initially nondemented White, African American, and Hispanic participants from the longitudinal community-based Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project who had at least two visits. We estimated initial memory (intercept) and the rate of memory decline (slope) using up to five occasions of measurement. We classified groups according to the educational attainment groups as low (≤5 years), medium (6–11 years), and high (≥12 years). We used a multiple-group latent growth model to identify the baseline predictors of initial memory performance and rate of memory decline across groups. The model specification considered the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, biomedical, and cognitive variables on the intercept and the slope of memory trajectory. Results: Our results indicated that the three educational groups do not benefit from the same factors. When allowed to differ across groups, the predictors were related to cognitive outcomes in the highly educated group, but we found no unique predictor of cognition for the low educated older adults. Conclusions: These findings highlight that memory-protective factors may differ across older adults with distinct educational backgrounds, and the need to evaluate a broader range of potential resilience factors for older adults with few years of school.

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