scholarly journals The Interrelationship Between Subjective Health, Cognitive Decline, and Late Life Disability: A Path Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 301-301
Author(s):  
Sarah Hubner ◽  
Hyeon Jung Kim ◽  
Brenda Nguyen ◽  
Brooke Hansen ◽  
Julie Blaskewicz Boron

Abstract Relationships between mental, physical and cognitive health can differentially impact individuals’ ability to function in everyday life. As people age, this can further influence independence and quality of life. To better understand these relationships, the current study implemented path analysis to investigate the impact of subjective mental, physical, and cognitive health on disability. Analyses explored relationships between demographic variables, subjective mental and physical health, cognitive decline, and self-reported disability (difficulty Walking/Climbing stairs [WC], Dressing/Bathing [DB], and Doing Errands [EA]). Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were examined. The most recent four waves (2015-2018) of available data from states utilizing the Cognitive Decline Module were included (50 states, two territories). Path analyses were conducted and modeled in AMOS. Measures of CFI (0.986), TLI (0.938), and RMSEA (0.046) indicate good model fit. Listwise deletion was utilized (n=212117) . Respondents were aged 45+ and were generally white (82.8%), female (58.7%), and of “good/very good” subjective general health (64.0%). Results revealed being non-white (WCΣβ=0.028, DBΣβ=0.021, EAΣβ=0.025, all p’s<.001), of older age (WCΣβ=0.124, DBΣβ=0.004, EAΣβ=0.001, all p’s<.001), female (WCΣβ=0.016, DBΣβ=0.013, EAΣβ=0.016, all p’s<.001), poorer mental health (WCΣβ=0.080, DBΣβ=0.082, EAΣβ=0.116, all p’s<.001), poorer physical health (WCΣβ=0.410, DBΣβ=0.294, EAΣβ=0.314, all p’s<.001), and presence of subjective cognitive decline (WCΣβ=0.107, DBΣβ=0.107, EAΣβ=0.138, all p’s<.001) all had a positive total effect on disability. Ultimately, these results indicate the interrelationship between subjective health and self-reported ability/disability. These findings may help to improve care considerations for an aging population by serving as indicators for needs for assistance and support.

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110209
Author(s):  
Uyanga Ganbat ◽  
Yan Yan Wu

Existing research on subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) is limited even though NHOPI adults have the highest prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, we investigated SCD disparities among NHOPIs, Asian Americans, and White Americans and its contributing factors utilizing the 2015 and 2017 survey year data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for Hawai‘i State in the United States. The SCD prevalence was 11.9%, 8.97%, and 7.86% among NHOPIs, Whites, and Asians, respectively. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health behavioral variables, the prevalence ratios (PRs) of SCD were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.78) for NHOPI versus Asian and 1.15 (95% CI = 0.89-1.50) for NHOPI versus Whites. The associations were weakened after adjusting for health conditions. Depressive disorders, coronary heart disease or myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes were associated with cognitive decline in the multivariate-adjusted model. NHOPIs experienced more SCD-related functional difficulties than other races.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Schliep ◽  
Lily Gu ◽  
Kristine Lynch ◽  
Michelle Sorweid ◽  
Michael Varner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prior research indicates that at least 35% of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia risk may be amenable to prevention. Subjective cognitive decline is often the first indication of preclinical dementia, with the risk of subsequent Alzheimer’s disease in such individuals being greater in women than men. We wished to understand how modifiable factors are associated with subjective cognitive decline, and whether differences exist by sex. Methods Data were collected from men and women (45 years and older) who completed the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Cognitive Decline Module (2015–2018), n=216,838. We calculated population attributable fractions for subjective cognitive decline, stratified by sex, of the following factors: limited education, deafness, social isolation, depression, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Our models were adjusted for age, race, income, employment, marital and Veteran status, and accounted for communality among risk factors. Results The final study sample included more women (53.7%) than men, but both had a similar prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (10.6% of women versus 11.2% of men). Women and men had nearly equivalent overall population attributable fractions to explain subjective cognitive decline (39.7% for women versus 41.3% for men). The top three contributing risk factors were social isolation, depression, and hypertension, which explained three-quarters of the overall population attributable fraction. Conclusions While we did not identify any differences in modifiable factors between men and women contributing to subjective cognitive decline, other factors including reproductive or endocrinological health history or biological factors that interact with sex to modify risk warrant further research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331752092239
Author(s):  
Xingran Weng ◽  
Daniel R. George ◽  
Bibo Jiang ◽  
Li Wang

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease in the literature. However, little is known about whether SCD is associated with social/emotional support (SES). To investigate this association, this study utilized the 2015 and 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. A study population of 17206 participants aged 45 years and older who responded to both the Emotional Support and Life Satisfaction survey module and the Cognition Decline survey module were included. Of this study population, 11.22% had SCD, and 21.83% reported insufficient SES. A much higher percentage of those with insufficient SES experienced SCD compared to those with sufficient SES (21.15% vs 8.45%, P < .0001). Insufficient SES was significantly associated with SCD (odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.37-2.06), after controlling for other factors. Furthermore, this study found certain demographic groups such as female, white, or married groups were more likely to receive sufficient SES.


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
Mary Adams

Introduction: Estimates of US adults with dementia differ widely and don’t distinguish adults living in the community. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 120 485 households in 21 states that used a cognitive decline module in 2011 were used. Data for both respondents and other adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) were included through proxy responses. Using responses to questions about the receipt of informal care for their SCD and diagnosed dementia, estimates were made for each state. Results: Overall, 2.9% (range: 1.5% in Tennessee to 5.3% in Arkansas) of all noninstitutionalized adults in these states received informal care for their SCD and 0.9% (range: 0.5% in Tennessee to 2.0% in Arkansas) were estimated to have dementia. Limiting results to respondents reduced estimates significantly. Discussion: Combined results for respondents and nonrespondents from a representative telephone survey provide varying estimates of SCD-related measures across states, highlighting the need for state-specific estimates.


2021 ◽  
pp. 263501062110017
Author(s):  
Ya-Ching Huang ◽  
Heather E. Cuevas ◽  
Julie A. Zuñiga ◽  
Alexandra A. García

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and SCD-related functional limitations among people with diabetes and to identify socioeconomic and comorbidity risk factors associated with SCD. Methods This study analyzed data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) with background variables (race, gender, education, and age), health-related factors (self-rated health, BMI, insurance, and comorbid conditions), and health behaviors (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption) entered simultaneously to estimate logistic regression models of SCD. Results Within the sample (n = 5263 adults with diabetes), 48% were age ≥65 years; 50% were male; 55% were non-Hispanic White; and of the 15% who reported having SCD, 57% had functional limitations. Increased odds of reporting SCD were observed among individuals who were Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21, P < .001), male (OR = 1.47, P < .01), depressed (OR = 3.85, P < .001), or had arthritis (OR = 1.43, P < .03). Participants with better self-rated health had a reduced likelihood of SCD (OR = 0.51, P < .001). Conclusions Health care providers should assess high-risk patients for self-rated cognitive dysfunction and offer early interventions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S912-S912
Author(s):  
Kristi M Wisniewski ◽  
Elizabeth M Zelinski

Abstract Participation in risky health behaviors can increase the potential for cognitive decline. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and minimal physical activity are modifiable risk factors associated with worse performance on cognitive assessments; however, the relationship between subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and risky practices has not been assessed. As a potential early indicator of cognitive impairment, SCD may serve as a screening measure for dementia. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is an annual, self-reported telephone survey of Americans that includes fifteen core and twenty-five optional sections. The present study included Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System participants age 45 or older who completed the core and cognitive decline modules in 2015 (n=147,243). Roughly 11% of participants endorsed worsening memory in the previous year. Logistic regression examined the impact of smoking, drinking, and inactivity on self-reported cognitive decline. Current or former smokers had greater odds of endorsing cognitive decline compared to those who never smoked (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.27-1.52). Individuals who consumed at least one alcoholic beverage in the previous month had lower SCD odds compared to non-drinkers (OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.72-0.87). Respondents who engaged in little to no physical activity had greater odds of endorsing cognitive decline compared to active respondents (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.31-1.57). Individuals who endorsed cognitive decline engaged in unhealthy habits such as smoking or inactive lifestyles; however, low to moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial for cognitive functioning.


2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A68.1-A68
Author(s):  
Harpriya Kaur ◽  
James Grosch

BackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is one of the earliest noticeable symptom of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have shown that half of older adults with subjective memory complaints go on to develop more severe cognitive decline within 7–18 years. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of SCD among US workers and to identify occupations with a high prevalence of SCD, even after adjustment for common risk factors.MethodsData from the 2015–2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to examine the prevalence of SCD among US workers aged ≥45 years who were currently employed or were employed at some point in the past 12 months. SCD is defined as frequent confusion or memory loss within the previous 12 months. Only states (n=28) that collected data on both industry/occupation and cognitive decline were included in this study.ResultsThe overall prevalence of SCD among US workers aged ≥45 years was 6.2%, and was higher for workers 65 years and older. The prevalence was significantly higher among Veterans (8.3%) compared to non-veterans (5.9%). 29.2% of those with SCD reported that they need assistance with day-to day activities and 35.1% had discussed confusion/memory loss with a healthcare professional. The prevalence of SCD was significantly lower among workers in management, business and financial operations, Healthcare practitioners and technical, and office and administrative support occupations. While workers in building and ground cleaning and maintenance, and personal care and service occupations had elevated prevalence of SCD.ConclusionCognitive decline is an important public health issue affecting older workers and their ability to work. SCD prevalence is much higher among occupations that are less mentally challenging which indicates that interventions to improve or maintain cognitive functioning may help older workers to remain productive and in the workforce.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S188-S189
Author(s):  
Christopher A Taylor ◽  
Valerie J Edwards ◽  
Kenneth A Knapp ◽  
Erin D Bouldin ◽  
Lisa C McGuire

Abstract Informal caregivers can provide assistance that can help family members and friends live in the community longer but can place caregivers at increased risk for poorer health outcomes. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is the self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss. The objective of this study is to describe SCD in caregivers. Data were analyzed from 21 states, Puerto Rico, and District of Columbia who administered both the Caregiver and Cognitive Decline modules of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in the same year for 2015–2017. A higher proportion of caregivers reported SCD (13.4%) compared to non-caregivers (10.2%). Of those who did need assistance with daily activities due to SCD, 1 in 8 non-caregivers were unable to the necessary assistance compared to 1 in 4 caregivers. SCD among caregivers is of particular concern because it affects both the caregiver and care recipient.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110587
Author(s):  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
Amandeep Kaur ◽  
Titilayo James ◽  
Carlos Avalos ◽  
Prince N. O. Addo ◽  
...  

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among a representative sample of the adult US population. Methods Data were obtained from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( N = 82,688, ≥45 years). Adverse childhood experiences included sexual, physical/psychological and environmental ACEs, and a score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between ACEs and SCD, and SCD-related outcomes. Results Sexual (adjusted OR (aOR: 2.83; 95% CI: 2.42–3.31)), physical/psychological (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.83–2.29), and environmental (aOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.74–2.16) ACEs were associated with SCD in the past year. There was also a dose-response relationship between ACE score and SCD. Conclusion ACEs were associated with SCD. Interventions to maximize cognitive health in aging and prevent future cognitive impairment should consider the potential role of ACEs among affected populations.


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