scholarly journals Major Discrimination, Race-Ethnicity, and Inflammation Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 344-344
Author(s):  
Lauren Parker ◽  
Roland Thorpe ◽  
Ryon Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Prevalence Ratios ◽  
Retirement Study ◽  
Ethnicity Data

Abstract This study examines the relationship between self-reported instances of major discrimination and inflammation among older adults, and explores whether this relationship varies in accordance with race/ethnicity. Data from 2006/2008 Health and Retirement Study was used to collect measures of self-reported instances of major discrimination and high-risk C-reactive protein (CRP), which was assayed from blood samples. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was applied to estimate the prevalence ratios of self-reported instances of major discrimination, as it relates to high-risk CRP (CRP ≥ 22 kg/m2), and test whether this relationship varies by race/ethnicity. Respondents who experienced any instances of major discrimination had a higher likelihood of high-risk CRP (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–1.22) than those who did not report experiencing any instances of major discrimination. This relationship was weaker for blacks than whites (PR: 0.81, 95% CI = 0.69–0.95).

scholarly journals Self-reported Instances of Major Discrimination, Race/Ethnicity, and Inflammation Among Older Adults: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryon J Cobb ◽  
Lauren J Parker ◽  
Roland J Thorpe
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Psychosocial Factor ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health And Retirement Study ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Background This study examines the relationship between self-reported instances of major discrimination and inflammation among older adults, and explores whether this relationship varies in accordance with race/ethnicity. We hypothesized that self-reported instances of major discrimination would be associated with higher levels of high-risk inflammation and that this relationship would be stronger for racial/ethnic minorities than whites. Methods Data from the 2006/2008 Health and Retirement Study, an ongoing biennial nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States, were used to collect measures of self-reported instances of major discrimination and high-risk C-reactive protein (CRP), which was assayed from blood samples. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was applied to estimate the prevalence ratios of self-reported instances of major discrimination, as it relates to high-risk CRP (CRP ≥ 22 kg/m2), and test whether this relationship varies by race/ethnicity. Results Respondents who experienced any instances of major discrimination had a higher likelihood of high-risk CRP (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–1.22) than those who did not report experiencing any instances of major discrimination. This association was independent of differences in newly diagnosed health conditions and socioeconomic status. The relationship between any self-reported instance of major discrimination and high-risk CRP was weaker for blacks than whites (PR: 0.81, 95% CI = 0.69–0.95). Conclusions Our study confirms that self-reported instances of major lifetime discrimination is a psychosocial factor that is adversely associated with high-risk CRP among older adults; this association is especially pronounced among older whites. Future studies among this population are required to examine whether the relationship between self-reported instances of major discrimination and high-risk CRP changes over time.

Sex differences in the relationship between obesity, C-reactive protein, physical activity, depression, sleep quality and fatigue in older adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudy J. Valentine ◽  
Edward McAuley ◽  
Victoria J. Vieira ◽  
Tracy Baynard ◽  
Liang Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
The Relationship

scholarly journals Coping With Chronic Stress by Unhealthy Behaviors: A Re-Evaluation Among Older Adults by Race/Ethnicity

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 805-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik J. Rodriquez ◽  
Steven E. Gregorich ◽  
Jennifer Livaudais-Toman ◽  
Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Current Smoking ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Retirement Study

Objective: To assess the role of unhealthy behaviors in the relationship between chronic stress and significant depressive symptoms by race/ethnicity among older adults. Method: Participant data from the 2006 to 2008 Health and Retirement Study were analyzed. Unhealthy behaviors included current smoking, excessive/binge drinking, and obesity. Chronic stress was defined by nine previously used factors. The eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale measured depressive symptoms, where ≥4 symptoms defined significant. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the effects of chronic stress and unhealthy behaviors in 2006 on depressive symptoms in 2008. Results: A higher chronic stress index score predicted depressive symptoms in 2008 among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.48, 2.15]; aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = [1.15, 2.05]; and aOR = 1.40, 95% CI = [1.26, 1.56], respectively). Unhealthy behaviors moderated this relationship among Latinos (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = [1.02, 2.33]). Discussion: Unhealthy behaviors were not effective coping mechanisms for chronic stress in terms of preventing significant depressive symptoms. Instead, they strengthened the relationship between chronic stress and significant depressive symptoms among Latinos.

scholarly journals Presenting features of COVID-19 in older people: relationships with frailty, inflammation and mortality

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089-1094
Author(s):  
Paul Knopp ◽  
Amy Miles ◽  
Thomas E. Webb ◽  
Benjamin C. Mcloughlin ◽  
Imran Mannan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Age Related ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Cardinal Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Age Related Changes

Abstract Purpose To describe the clinical features of COVID-19 in older adults, and relate these to outcomes. Methods A cohort study of 217 individuals (median age 80, IQR 74–85 years; 62% men) hospitalised with COVID-19, followed up for all-cause mortality, was conducted. Secondary outcomes included cognitive and physical function at discharge. C-reactive protein and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were used as measures of immune activity. Results Cardinal COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dyspnoea, cough) were common but not universal. Inflammation on hospitalisation was lower in frail older adults. Fever, dyspnoea, delirium and inflammation were associated with mortality. Delirium at presentation was an independent risk factor for cognitive decline at discharge. Conclusions COVID-19 may present without cardinal symptoms as well as implicate a possible role for age-related changes in immunity in mediating the relationship between frailty and mortality.

scholarly journals Chronic Stress, C-Reactive Protein, and Cognition Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 362-362
Author(s):  
Emily Morris ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Immediate Recall ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract Objective: Previous research suggests that chronic stress is associated with worse cognitive aging, but minimal research has examined potential mechanisms and moderators of these associations. Chronic stress is known to increase inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein [CRP]), which has in turn been associated with worse cognition among older adults. The present study examined whether (1) CRP mediates associations between chronic stress and episodic memory and verbal fluency; and (2) these relationships differ by race/ethnicity. Methods: Participants included 18,968 adults (64% non-Hispanic White; 19% non-Hispanic Black; 14% Hispanic; 3% non-Hispanic other race/ethnicity; Mage=71.8; SDage=6.0) from the Health and Retirement Study. Chronic stress was operationalized as the occurrence and impact of eight ongoing stressors. Cross-sectional, stratified mediation models were conducted for three cognitive outcomes: immediate recall, delayed recall, and verbal fluency. Covariates included sociodemographics and vascular disease burden. Results: Chronic stress was associated worse immediate recall (beta=-.028). Higher CRP was not associated with any cognitive domains. Non-Hispanic Black participants reported more chronic stress than non-Hispanic White and Hispanic participants. Chronic stress was less strongly associated with higher CRP in non-Hispanic Black (beta=-.035) participants than non-Hispanic White (beta=.046) or Hispanic (beta=.059) participants. Discussion: Chronic stress may negatively influence episodic memory, but findings do not suggest that CRP mediates links between chronic stress and cognition. CRP may not track as closely with chronic stress among non-Hispanic Black older adults who may experience additional risk factors for inflammation and/or adapt to increased chronic stress.

scholarly journals RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN ELEVATED C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AMONG U.S. OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S819-S819
Author(s):  
Heather R Farmer ◽  
Heather R Farmer ◽  
Linda A Wray ◽  
Hanzhang Xu ◽  
Ying Xian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
National Level ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation linked to numerous acute and chronic conditions. Studies have not considered racial differences in elevated CRP among older adults at the national level. We investigate racial differences in elevated CRP and the socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and physiological factors that contribute to these differences overall and by gender using a nationally-representative prospective cohort of 14,700 non-Hispanic black and white participants in the Health and Retirement Study followed from 2006 to 2014. Random effects logistic regression models showed that blacks were more likely to have elevated levels of CRP than whites. In men, the racial differences in elevated CRP were attributed to a combination of socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. In women, the racial differences in elevated CRP were primarily attributable to physiological factors. The findings from this work have potentially important implications for clinical practice and interventions targeting vulnerable segments of the population.

scholarly journals PURPOSE IN LIFE PROTECTS AGAINST COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S650-S651
Author(s):  
Giyeon Kim ◽  
Su Hyun Shin ◽  
Monica Scicolone ◽  
Patricia A Parmelee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Purpose In Life ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Curve Modeling ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Objective: This study examined whether having a sense of purpose in life protects against cognitive decline among older adults and whether purpose in life moderates the relationship between selected risk factors (age, sex, and race/ethnicity) and cognitive abilities. Methods: This was a longitudinal analysis of existing secondary data of adults (N = 11,557) aged 50 or older using the 2006 −2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. The study measured purpose in life, cognitive functioning score, and various covariates. Results: Growth curve modeling revealed that, after adjusting for covariates, purpose in life was positively associated with participants’ total cognition scores. Purpose in life significantly moderated the relationship between age and race/ethnicity and cognitive decline. Further, purpose in life was a protective factor against cognitive decline for those who were older and black. There was no significant interaction between purpose in life and sex. Conclusion: Having a purposeful life protects against cognitive decline in older adults, and the associations varied by age and race/ethnicity, but not by sex. Potential ways to increase purpose in life are discussed in a clinical context.

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