scholarly journals Polyvictimization and Cognitive Function in an Ethnic Minority Aging Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 427-427
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Mengting Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract Globally, around 1 in 6 older adults experienced some form of elder mistreatment in community settings. However, little is known about the prevalence of polyvictimization, or experience of multiple forms of abuse, which may exacerbate negative outcomes over that of any one form of victimization in isolation. Data were drawn from the PINE study. Polyvictimization was defined as exposure to multiple forms of victimization, including psychological, physical, and sexual mistreatment, financial exploitation, and caregiver neglect. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and MMSE. Regression analyses were performed. Among 3153 participants, 128 experienced two forms of abuse while 12 experienced three or more forms of abuse. Polyvictimization was associated with lower global cognition (b=-0.05, SE=0.02, p<.05), episodic memory (b=-0.06, SE=0.03, p<.05), working memory (b=-0.14, SE=0.07, p<.05), and processing speed (b=-0.68, SE=0.33, p<.05). Interventions could target older adults with polyvictimization and protect their cognitive function.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S936-S937
Author(s):  
Stephanie M Bergren ◽  
Gabriella Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Historical Events ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Research has found relationships between experiencing stressful events and lower cognitive function in late life. However, there is little research about the cumulative experiences of significant historical events and cognitive function. Historical events may be unique compared to other life events due to their potential distal relationship to the individual. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiencing significant historical events and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Data were drawn from the PINE Study, a cohort study of 3,126 US Chinese older adults collected from 2017-2019. Participants were asked if they experienced the Japanese invasion, famine, Great Leap Forward, Vietnam War, Cultural Revolution, and the Tian’anmen Square Protests. A composite score of 0-6 was calculated to count the number experienced. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Chinese MMSE. Linear and quantile regression were performed. Among the participants, 1908 (61.04%) were female with mean age of 75.33 (SD=8.22) years. The average number of historical events experienced was 2.36 (SD=1.44). After adjusting for covariates, every one additional historical event experience was associated with better global cognition (b=0.26, SE=0.009, p<.01), episodic memory (b = 0.045, SE=0.012, p<.001), and processing speed (b=0.383, SE=0.135, p<.01). Number of historical events was not significantly associated with working memory or C-MMSE. The positive relationship between historical events and some cognitive domains suggests a potential resilience effect after experiencing historical events. Future research should examine whether participants found events stressful and whether there are differential relationships to cognitive function.

scholarly journals CUMULATIVE ADVERSITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S938-S938
Author(s):  
Gabriella Dong ◽  
Mengting Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Stressful Life ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract The majority of studies on traumatic life events focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, while less is known whether the cumulative exposure to traumatic events over the life course will deteriorate cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between lifetime traumatic events and cognitive function in an immigrant population. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 3,126 U.S. Chinese older adults in 2017-2019. Twelve types of traumatic events were assessed: physical assault, residential fires, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, imprisonment, being falsely accused, divorce, death of a loved one, being robbed, experiencing cancer, and being homeless. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression was performed. In our sample, the maximum traumatic events experienced by one participant are eight types. Older adults who experienced one additional personal event were associated with higher global cognition (b=0.101, SE=0.012), episodic memory (b=0.130, SE=0.016), working memory (b=0.151, SE=0.034), processing speed (b=1.709, SE=0.178), and MMSE (b=0.124, SE=0.057), while controlling for age, gender, income, and education. In contrast with earlier studies, we identified the positive relationships between traumatic events and cognition. Older adults who had prior experience with stressful life events could demonstrate an advantage over those without such an experience. Further studies could investigate how individuals would respond to stressful life events, and how their resilience mechanism would promote cognitive function.

scholarly journals Stressful Life Events and Late-Life Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults: Findings from a Population-Based Cohort Study in the Greater Chicago Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-35
Author(s):  
Gabriella C. Dong ◽  
Mengting Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Stressful Life ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Global Cognition

The majority of studies on stressful life events focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, while less is known about whether the cumulative exposure to stressful life events over the life course will deteriorate cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between lifetime stressful life events and cognitive function in an immigrant population. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 3125 U.S. Chinese older adults in 2017–2019. Twelve types of stressful life events were assessed: physical assault, residential fires, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, imprisonment, being falsely accused, divorce, death of a loved one, being robbed, experiencing cancer, and being homeless. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression was performed. Older adults who experienced a higher number of life events were associated with higher global cognition (b = 0.11, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001), episodic memory (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), working memory (b = 0.17, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001), processing speed (b = 1.92, SE = 0.18, p < 0.001), and MMSE (b = 0.29, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001), while controlling for age, gender, income, education, medical comorbidities, ADL, and depressive symptoms. In contrast with earlier studies, we identified the positive relationships between aggregate and individual life events and cognition. Older adults who had prior experience with stressful life events could demonstrate an advantage over those without such experiences. In addition, older adults who experienced life event(s) during adulthood and old age are associated with higher cognitive function. Further studies could investigate how individuals respond to stressful life events and how the underlying resilience mechanism would promote cognitive function.

scholarly journals Family Relationships and Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling U.S. Chinese Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Mengting Li ◽  
Man Guo ◽  
Meredith Stensland ◽  
XinQi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Global Cognition

A broad literature has explored racial disparities in cognitive aging. Research incorporating sociocultural factors would provide a more comprehensive understanding of minority aging. This study aims to investigate the role of family typology in cognition among U.S. Chinese immigrants. Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Family typology included tight-knit, unobligated ambivalent, commanding conflicted, and detached typologies. Cognition was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Linear and quantile regressions were used. Older adults with detached and commanding conflicted typologies reported lower global cognition than those with unobligated ambivalent typology. Detached, commanding conflicted, and tight-knit typologies were associated with poorer performance in episodic memory, working memory and MMSE than unobligated ambivalent typology, respectively. Social service providers could be aware of multifaceted family relationships when developing interventions for cognitive function and understand family typology as a whole.

scholarly journals Associations Between Smoking and Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling U.S. Chinese Older Adults in Chicago

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 155-155
Author(s):  
Shengxi Sun ◽  
Nannan Zhang ◽  
Mengting Li ◽  
XinQi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Perceptual Speed ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Never Smokers

Abstract Previous studies on smoking and cognition reported mixed findings. The inconsistent results are partially explained by the fact that they were limited to specific populations and using different cognitive function measurements. This association between smoking and cognition has rarely been studied in the rapidly increasing U.S. Chinese older adults. This study aims to determine if smoking status and smoking amount are associated with global cognition and cognitive domains in U.S. Chinese older adults. Data was extracted PINE. Five cognitive function tests (East Boston Memory Test, East Boston Memory Delayed Recall, Digital Backward test, Symbol digit Modality Test, and MMSE) were used to measure cognitive domains including episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed. Five cognitive tests were converted to z scores and averaged to generate global cognition. Self-reported smoking status was used for generating smoking status and smoking amount (pack-years). Linear regression was used. The results showed that former smokers had lower global cognition (b=-0.111, SE=0.053, p&lt;.05) and perceptual speed (b=-0.185, SE=0.066, p&lt;.01) than never smokers; current smokers had lower global cognition (b=-0.240, SE=0.060, p&lt;.001), working memory (b=-0.340, SE=0.083, p&lt;.001) and perceptual speed (b=-0.370, SE=0.075, p&lt;.001) compared with never smokers. Smoking pack-years is negatively associated with global cognition (b=-0.003, SE=0.001,p&lt;.001), episodic memory (b=-0.005, SE=0.001, p&lt;.001), and perceptual speed (b=-0.004, SE=0.001, p&lt;.001). Findings revealed that among all smokers, current smokers had the worst cognition and heavier smoking was associated with worse cognition. Policymakers could take measures in lowering smoking amount among U.S. Chinese older adults to protect their cognition.

scholarly journals Association of AKAP6 and MIR2113 with cognitive performance in a population based sample of older adults

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shea J. Andrews ◽  
Debjani Das ◽  
Kaarin J. Anstey ◽  
Simon Easteal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
European Ancestry ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Perceptual Speed ◽  
Cognitive Domains

AbstractGenetic factors make a substantial contribution to inter-individual variability in cognitive function. A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identified two loci, AKAP6 and MIR2113 that are associated with general cognitive function. Here, we extend this previous research by investigating the association of MIR2113 and AKAP6 with baseline and longitudinal nonlinear change across a broad spectrum of cognitive domains in community-based cohort of 1,570 older adults without dementia. Two SNPs, MIR211-rs10457441 and AKAP6-rs17522122 were genotyped in 1,570 non-demented older Australians of European ancestry, who were examined up to 4 times over 12 years. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the association between AKAP6 and MIR2113 with cognitive performance in episodic memory, working memory, vocabulary, perceptual speed and reaction time at baseline and with linear and quadratic rates of change. AKAP6-rs17522122*T was associated with worse baseline performance in episodic memory, working memory, vocabulary and perceptual speed, but it was not associated with cognitive change in any domain. MIR2113-rs10457441*T was associated with accelerated decline in episodic memory. No other associations with baseline cognitive performance or with linear or quadratic rate or cognitive changes was observed for this SNP. These results confirm the previous finding that, AKAP6 is associated with performance across multiple cognitive domains at baseline but not with cognitive decline, while MIR2113 primarily affects the rate at which memory declines over time.

Positive, but Not Negative, Self-Perceptions of Aging Predict Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502091768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellie E. Brown ◽  
Jeehoon Kim ◽  
Tara Stewart ◽  
Erika Fulton ◽  
Anna C. McCarrey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Short Delay ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Two Measures ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) refer to attitudes about one’s aging process and are linked to physical health and longevity. How SPA correlates with cognitive function in older adulthood is less well known. 136 older adults were administered a multifaceted SPA measure, The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ), in addition to a demographic form and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Positive and negative subscales of the B-APQ were correlated with aspects of cognitive function. Regression analyses revealed that only the positive B-APQ subscales predicted mental status ( β = .19, p < .05), short-delay memory ( β = .16, p < .05), processing speed ( β = −.21, p < .05), and two measures of executive function ( β = −.21, p < .01; β = .18, p < .05). This is the first study to demonstrate that positive dimensions of SPA relate to cognitive function in older adulthood.

Long-Term Recreational Cannabis Use Is Associated With Lower Executive Function and Processing Speed in a Pilot Sample of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872110491
Author(s):  
Katie Stypulkowski ◽  
Rachel E. Thayer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Bimodal Distribution ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Small Pilot Study

More older adults are using cannabis for recreational and/or medical purposes, but most studies examining cognitive function and cannabis use do not include older adults. The current small pilot study sought to compare cognitive function and emotional functioning among adults age 60 and older who were regular, primarily recreational cannabis users ( n = 28) and nonusers ( n = 10). A bimodal distribution was observed among cannabis users such that they had either initiated regular use more recently (“short-term” users; ≤7 years, n = 13) or earlier in life (“long-term” users; ≥19 years, n = 15). Nonusers, short-term, and long-term users were not different in depression, anxiety, or emotion regulation, or alcohol use. Nonusers scored significantly higher than long-term users in executive function. Short-term users scored significantly higher than long-term users in executive function, processing speed, and general cognition. Additionally, greater recent cannabis use frequency was negatively associated with working memory. The current findings suggest that short-term recreational cannabis use does not result in differences in cognitive performance compared to nonusers, which may indicate that short-term use is relatively benign in older adults. However, longer duration of use is associated with poorer processing speed and executive functioning, and more recent cannabis use is associated with poorer working memory, which may impact older adults’ overall cognitive functioning.

Is Social Network a Protective Factor for Cognitive Impairment in US Chinese Older Adults? Findings from the PINE Study

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengting Li ◽  
Xinqi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Global Cognition

Background: Social network has been identified as a protective factor for cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between social network and global and subdomains of cognitive function remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to provide an analytic framework to examine quantity, composition, and quality of social network and investigate the association between social network, global cognition, and cognitive domains among US Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE), a community-engaged, population-based epidemiological study of US Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area, with a sample size of 3,157. Social network was assessed by network size, volume of contact, proportion kin, proportion female, proportion co-resident, and emotional closeness. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). Linear regression and quantile regression were performed. Results: Every 1-point increase in network size (b = 0.048, p < 0.001) and volume of contact (b = 0.049, p < 0.01) and every 1-point decrease in proportion kin (b = -0.240, p < 0.01) and proportion co-resident (b = -0.099, p < 0.05) were associated with higher level of global cognition. Similar trends were observed in specific cognitive domains, including episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and C-MMSE. However, emotional closeness was only significantly associated with C-MMSE (b = 0.076, p < 0.01). Social network has differential effects on female versus male older adults. Conclusion: This study found that social network dimensions have different relationships with global and domains of cognitive function. Quantitative and structural aspects of social network were essential to maintain an optimal level of cognitive function. Qualitative aspects of social network were protective factors for C-MMSE. It is necessary for public health practitioners to consider interventions that enhance different aspects of older adults' social network.

scholarly journals THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND TAI-CHI: FINDINGS FROM THE PINE STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S815-S815
Author(s):  
Ying-Yu Chao ◽  
Ying-Yu Chao ◽  
Peijia Zha ◽  
Xinqi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Chinese Americans ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
State Examination

Abstract The study examined the association between cognitive function and Tai Chi practice among older Chinese Americans. Data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (N=3,157) was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Cognitive function was assessed by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). The results showed that cognitive function was significantly associated with Tai Chi practice. Participants with higher scores of global cognition (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.20–1.73, p = 0.00), episodic memory (OR =1.27, 95% CI: 1.10–1.47, p = 0.00), executive function (OR = 1.017, 95% CI:1.00–1.03, p = 0.01), working memory (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12, p = 0.01), and C-MMSE (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, p = 0.00) were more likely to practice Tai Chi. This study demonstrated that Tai Chi may benefit cognitive function in Chinese older adults.

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