Marginal Effects of Multiple Years of Volunteering on Objective and Subjective Measures of Cognition

Abstract Volunteering is conducive to older Americans’ physical and mental health; however, the effect of volunteering on cognitive health is less studied. Using four waves (2010-2016) of the Health and Retirement Study, this study examined the incremental effect of volunteering engagement on older adults’ cognitive health. We included10,718 cognitively unimpaired, community-dwelling individuals aged 51+ in 2010 and were alive through 2016. Volunteering engagement was measured by the number of times respondents participated in volunteering throughout the four waves. Objective cognition was assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), a standardized test of cognitive functioning. The TICS score was further categorized into three statuses: “No impairment,” “Cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND),” and “Dementia.” Subjective cognition referred to self-rated memory on a 5-point Likert scale. With sampling weights, ordered logit regression was performed controlling for health-related variables (e.g., health conditions, depression), SES (e.g., income, assets), contextual features (e.g., neighborhood safety, urbanicity), and sociodemographics. The average marginal effects (AMEs) were produced. Results show that more volunteering engagement significantly reduced the likelihood of CIND or dementia (OR=0.88, p<0.001). Specifically, every one-time increase in volunteering increased the probability of remaining cognitively normal by 0.01 (p<0.001), whereas it decreased the probability of CIND by 0.008 (p<0.001) and dementia by 0.001 (p<0.001). For subjective cognition, there was no significant relationship with volunteering. Our findings address gaps in literature by adding evidence of the incremental health benefits of volunteering on cognitive functioning. Differences in the findings for subjective and objective cognition warrant further investigation.

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Clinical and Ambulatory Gait Speed in Older Adults: Associations With Several Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Health Outcomes

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzz186 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 100 (4) ◽

pp. 718-727

Author(s):

Miguel Á De la Cámara ◽

Sara Higueras-Fresnillo ◽

Kabir P Sadarangani ◽

Irene Esteban-Cornejo ◽

David Martinez-Gomez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Predictive Validity ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Well Being ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Walk Test ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cognitive Health

Abstract Background Although clinical gait speed may indicate health and well-being in older adults, there is a lack of studies comparing clinical tests with ambulatory gait speed with regard to several health outcomes. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the associations of clinical gait speed, measured by the 2.44-m walk test and the ambulatory gait speed with several physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults. Design A cross-sectional design was used. Methods The study population comprised 432 high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults (287 women) aged between 65 and 92 years. Clinical and ambulatory gait speeds were measured using the 2.44-m walk test and a portable gait analysis device, respectively. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the association of clinical and ambulatory gait speeds with several health outcomes (body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, chronic conditions, self-rated health, exhaustion, upper- and lower-body strength, physical and mental health status, cognitive status, and self-rated cognitive status). Results The results showed that the average gait speed for clinical and ambulatory measures cannot be directly compared. Clinical gait speed was associated with 7 health outcomes, and the ambulatory gait speed was associated with 6 health outcomes. The significant associations between measures of gait speed and the health outcomes converged in 5 of the 13 health outcomes studied; however, the strength of associations was singly different between measures. Limitations The short monitoring time, the inability to distinguish between the ambulatory gait speed inside the home and outdoor gait speed, and the under-representative sample are limitations of the study. Conclusion The results indicated differences in the number and strength of associations between clinical and ambulatory gait speed. Both measures have construct validity because they have been associated with physical and health outcomes; however, they may have different predictive validity. Further research should be conducted to compare their predictive validity in longitudinal designs.

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Age Cohort Differences and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Americans

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 61-61

Author(s):

Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽

Ada Mui

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Short Form ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Older Americans ◽

Age Cohorts ◽

Cohort Differences ◽

Age Cohort

Abstract This study uses Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project to examine the correlation between age cohorts [60s (n=1204); 70s (n=1176); 80 and older (n= 724)], cognitive status, and depression symptoms. In the total sample, 53.90% were females, 76.15% Whites, 15.29% Blacks, and 8.56% Asians. Compared to the 60s and 70s cohorts, 80+ cohort was cognitively more impaired [Mean (SD) of MoCA Short Form were 10.7(2.9), 10.0(3.2), and 8.1(3.6)]. There were no age cohorts’ differences in depressive symptoms experienced (Mean of CESD Short Form = 21.03; SD = 4.06). In order to identify predictors of depression, multiple hierarchical regressions were performed. The 60s sample was the reference group to compare with 70s and 80s cohorts. Results showed that age cohort variables had a significant independent effect as well as a joint effect with cognitive status in explaining depression scores. For each age cohort group, parallel regression analyses were conducted and all models were significant. Findings suggest that ADL impairment was the only common predictor for depressive symptoms for the three cohort groups, and the association was the strongest for the 60s cohort (b = .31). Other unique predictors for 60s cohort were lower-income, more IADLs impairment, higher stress and cognitive impairment. For the 70s cohort, unique predictors of depressive symptoms were female gender, unmarried, and less socialization. For the 80 and above group, correlates of depression are female, White, and high stress level. Findings highlight the necessity of age-sensitive programs on depression support for community-dwelling older Americans.

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Determinants of Self-rated Cognitive Health among Older Korean Americans

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnz134 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 60 (2) ◽

pp. 250-258 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yuri Jang ◽

Eun Young Choi ◽

Min-Kyoung Rhee ◽

Nan Sook Park ◽

David A Chiriboga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Determinants ◽

Korean Americans ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

World Health ◽

Cognitive Screening ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cognitive Health ◽

Community Factors ◽

Older Korean Americans

Abstract Background and Objectives In response to the dearth of information on cognitive health in older ethnic minorities, in the present study, we examined factors associated with self-rated cognitive health (SRCH) in older Korean Americans. Drawing from the World Health Organization’s framework of social determinants of health, we examined how a broad spectrum of factors might influence the way in which older Korean Americans perceive and evaluate their own cognitive health. Research Design and Methods Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA; N = 2,061, mean age = 73.2), a series of hierarchical linear regression models of SRCH was tested with sequential entry of predictors: (1) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of cognitive status, (2) demographic variables, (3) physical and mental health status, (4) health behaviors, and (5) socio-cultural and community factors. Results In addition to cognitive screening outcomes, each set of variables made a significant contribution to the predictive model of SRCH. Positive ratings of cognitive health were observed among older individuals with greater education, good physical and mental health, involvement in regular exercise, and socio-cultural resources (social networks, acculturation, and family solidarity). Discussion and Implications The SRCH of older adults goes beyond cognitive screening outcomes, suggesting a need to incorporate the various sources of social determinants when seeking to promote the cognitive health of older populations.

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The Association between Environmental Factors, Race, and Cognitive Status

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3296 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 894-894

Author(s):

Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽

Ada Mui

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

Social Life ◽

Social Relationship ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Social Programs ◽

Community Characteristics ◽

Older Americans

Abstract Based on the data from National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, Wave 3, this study examined two research questions: what is the role of race in predicting cognitive status? and what are predictors of cognitive status between white and black older adults? Cognitive status was assessed using the 18-item survey-adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Using the ecological framework, correlates of cognitive status were conceptualized in three levels of environments: micro- (personal health), meso- (social relationship), and macro-environments (community characteristics). Hierarchical regressions analyses were employed. Findings indicated that 83% of the sample (n= 2,829) were whites and the mean age was 72.95. Bivariate analyses suggested significant racial differences in cognitive status, marital status, income, education, health, social relationship, and community characteristics. Additive and interactive models showed that race had an independent effect as well as joint effects with the three levels of environments in explaining cognitive status. Parallel regression analyses for each racial group were undertaken and models were significant (P < .0001). In two separate models, common predictors for better cognition included being younger, more educated, fewer IADL impairments, and less depression. For older whites, unique correlates for better cognition were being female, higher income, sense of control in life, safer community, and neighbor relations. The only unique correlate for older blacks to have better cognition was community cohesion. Results provided insights on racial differences in cognition experienced among community-dwelling older Americans, and emphasized the need for social programs that promote race-sensitive, age-friendly communities to protect against cognitive decline.

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Switching up How You Get in Your Steps: Daily Activity Diversity and Cognitive Functioning

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2217 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 581-581

Author(s):

Sangha Jeon ◽

Yee To Ng ◽

Soomi Lee ◽

Susan Charles ◽

Karen Fingerman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Daily Activity ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cognitive Health ◽

Crystallized Intelligence ◽

Common Activity ◽

Activity Types ◽

Active Lifestyles ◽

Ecological Momentary ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Active lifestyles are related to better cognitive health. More work is needed, however, to examine whether participating in a variety of daily activities (i.e., activity diversity) has unique importance beyond amount of activity. The current study examined associations between daily activity diversity and cognitive functioning among community-dwelling older adults (N = 313, ages 65-90). Participants completed a cognitive battery, then responded to ecological momentary assessments of their participation in 10 common activity types (e.g., exercise, chores, social visits, volunteering) every 3 hours for 5-6 days, and wore accelerometers to track daily step counts and duration of activity. Multiple regression models revealed that greater daily activity diversity related to higher overall cognitive functioning, executive functioning, memory, and crystallized intelligence. These associations remained significant after adjusting for step count and duration of activity. Findings suggest daily activity diversity has unique importance beyond sheer amount of activity for cognitive health in later adulthood.

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The Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Cognitive Health in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.13.3.294 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 294-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 61

Author(s):

David E. Vance ◽

Virginia G. Wadley ◽

Karlene K. Ball ◽

Daniel L. Roenker ◽

Matthew Rizzo

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Cognitive Ability ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Cognitive Health ◽

Social Stimulation ◽

The Social

Physical activity has been shown to be positively associated with cognitive health, but the mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity on cognitive health are unclear. The present study simultaneously examined two hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM). The depression-reduction hypothesis states that depression suppresses cognitive ability and that physical activity alleviates dysphoric mood and thereby improves cognitive ability. The social-stimulation hypothesis posits that social contact, which is often facilitated by socially laden physical activities, improves cognitive functioning by stimulating the nervous system. Sedentary behavior in the absence of physical activity is expected to exert an inverse relationship on cognitive health through each of these hypotheses. Community-dwelling elders (N= 158) were administered a variety of measures of cognition, depression, social support, and physical activity. SEM techniques provided partial support for the social-stimulation hypothesis and depression-reduction hypothesis. Implications for treating depression and improving cognitive functioning are discussed.

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INVESTIGATING WALNUT CONSUMPTION AND COGNITIVE HEALTH IN A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF OLDER U.S. ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2441 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S659-S659

Author(s):

Nicholas J Bishop ◽

Krystle E Zuniga

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Survey Design ◽

Growth Models ◽

Population Aging ◽

Positive Association ◽

Protective Role ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Word Recall ◽

Cognitive Health

Abstract Population aging increases the need to identify modifiable risk factors of cognitive decline such as nutritional intake. Several nutrients found in walnuts appear to play a neuro-protective role, yet few studies examine whole walnut consumption or draw from representative longitudinal samples. We draw observations from the nationally-representative Health and Retirement Study and Health Care and Nutrition Study to investigate the association between walnut consumption and cognitive trajectories among older US adults. The analytic sample consisted of 6,639 adults age 50 and over in 2013, representing a population of 77,726,682 community-dwelling older adults. Walnut consumption was a categorical measure representing no consumption, moderate consumption (< one serving per week), or high consumption (≥ one serving per week). Indicators of cognitive function representing working memory (immediate and delayed word recall) and global cognitive function (Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status, TICS) were measured at 3 time points (2012, 2014, and 2016). Latent growth models were used to estimate each linear trajectory while adjusting for covariates and complex survey design. Walnut consumption was positively associated with word recall and global mental status at baseline, but was not associated with change over the four year observational window. For example, those with high walnut consumption had baseline TICS scores .89 units greater (SE = .17, p < .001) than those consuming no walnuts. These results indicate that walnut consumption appears to have a positive association with cognitive health, but walnut consumption does not appear to be associated with short-term change in the cognitive outcomes measured.

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Older Adults’ Perceptions of Falls and Falls Prevention: An Interview-Based Study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.961 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 300-300

Author(s):

Danielle Catona

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Falls Prevention ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Risk Of Falling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Older Americans ◽

Home Based ◽

Balance Exercise

Abstract The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of older Americans’ perceptions of falls and strength and balance exercise (SBE) as a means of falls prevention. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 72 community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 89 years recruited from a variety of settings. Data were coded inductively to identify themes present within participants’ responses. This process included open coding and creating categories. Data revealed four themes related to falls: (1) others are at risk of falling, but not me, (2) people who fall experience bodily harm, (3) people who fall are a burden to others, and (4) people who fall end up in nursing homes. Four themes emerged related to benefits/facilitators of SBE: (1) SBE enables older adults to remain active and independent, (2) SBE provides an opportunity for older adults to socialize, (3) SBE has positive physical and mental health effects for older adults, and (4) healthcare providers advise older adults to perform SBE. There were three barriers associated with SBE: (1) having limited/no prior SBE experience, (2) having a pre-existing condition, and (3) disliking group-based, SBE classes. Study findings suggest older adults underestimate their risk of falling compared to their peers. As a result, SBE interventions may be promoted more effectively by highlighting personal and social benefits associated with SBE rather than physical risks associated with falls. Additionally, personal recommendations from healthcare providers as well as identification of modified and home-based programs may increase participation in SBE interventions.

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Interindividual Differences in Cognitive Functioning Are Associated with Autobiographical Memory Retrieval Specificity in Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000219 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 15-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sarah Peters ◽

Signy Sheldon

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Autobiographical Memory ◽

Memory Retrieval ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Specific Information ◽

Generation Task ◽

Interindividual Differences ◽

Retrieval Cues ◽

Contextual Support

Abstract. We examined whether interindividual differences in cognitive functioning among older adults are related to episodic memory engagement during autobiographical memory retrieval. Older adults ( n = 49, 24 males; mean age = 69.93; mean education = 15.45) with different levels of cognitive functioning, estimated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), retrieved multiple memories (generation task) and the details of a single memory (elaboration task) to cues representing thematic or event-specific autobiographical knowledge. We found that the MoCA score positively predicted the proportion of specific memories for generation and episodic details for elaboration, but only to cues that represented event-specific information. The results demonstrate that individuals with healthy, but not unhealthy, cognitive status can leverage contextual support from retrieval cues to improve autobiographical specificity.

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The Longitudinal Association of Walking Efficiency With Brain Volumes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2834 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 783-783

Author(s):

Jennifer Schrack ◽

Fangyu Liu ◽

Amal Wanigatunga ◽

Yang An ◽

Christos Davatzikos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Region Of Interest ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Intracranial Volume ◽

Brain Volumes ◽

Age Related ◽

Lower Baseline ◽

Longitudinal Association ◽

Mri Scans ◽

Walking Efficiency

Abstract Walking efficiency (WE) predicts mobility decline and is linked with higher fatigability. Fatigability is associated with cognitive decline and reduced brain volumes (BV), but the link between WE and BV is undefined. We examined associations between WE and BV in 860 participants of the BLSA (mean age 66.4(14.4) years, 54.5% women). WE was assessed during 2.5-minutes of usual-paced walking using indirect calorimetry and standardized per meter (ml/kg/m). BV measures were derived using MRI scans and an automated multi-atlas region-of-interest approach. In linear mixed models adjusted for demographics, education, BMI, intracranial volume, and cognitive status, lower baseline WE was associated with lower total, white, and gray matter, primarily in the frontal and temporal lobes (all p<0.05). Longitudinally, declining WE was associated with increasing ventricular and decreasing hippocampal volumes over follow-up (all p<0.01). Findings suggest rising age-related inefficiencies may reflect underlying brain atrophy and serve as a novel indicator for future interventions.

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