scholarly journals THE ROLE OF WORK AND RETIREMENT IN COGNITIVE AND BRAIN AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S24-S24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizem Hueluer ◽  
George W Rebok

Abstract According to the “use it or lose it” hypothesis of cognitive aging, cognitive enrichment and cognitively engaging activities are associated with the maintenance of high levels of cognitive functioning in old age. Similar ideas have been brought forward with respect to characteristics of individuals’ work environment, with more cognitively enriching work demands providing an optimal environment for cognitive development and maintenance. The goal of this research group is to showcase new developments in research on work, retirement and cognitive aging. Hülür et al. examine the role of perceived work environment for cohort differences in trajectories of cognitive change based on 56-year longitudinal data from the Seattle Longitudinal Study. Andel et al. use data from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging to examine trajectories of cognitive aging before vs. after retirement with two-slope growth curve models. Zulka et al. conduct a systematic literature review on the association between retirement and cognition and examine the role of factors such as occupational experiences and the cognitive domain studied. Burzynska et al. investigate the relationship between stressful and stimulating occupational exposures and structural brain health and cognition in older age. The discussion by George Rebok will focus on how these findings contribute to our understanding of the role of occupational experiences for cognitive and brain aging and how they can be utilized to promote maintenance of cognitive functioning in old age.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S24-S24
Author(s):  
Gizem Hueluer ◽  
Nilam Ram ◽  
Sherry L Willis ◽  
K Warner Schaie ◽  
Denis Gerstorf

Abstract Studies of historical change on cognitive aging generally document that later-born cohorts outperform earlier-born cohorts on tests of fluid cognitive performance. It is often noted how advances in educational attainment contribute to this finding. Over the last century, work demands and characteristics have changed profoundly, with shifts from a manufacturing to service and technical economy. We used data from the Seattle Longitudinal Study to compare trajectories of cognitive change between earlier-born (1901-1938) and later-born cohorts (1939-1966). Our findings show that (a) later-born cohorts had higher levels of performance on most cognitive tasks and exhibited less decline in word fluency, (b) had more enriched perceived work environment as indicated by higher levels of worker control and innovation, with no cohort differences in work autonomy (c) these experiences were associated with higher levels of cognitive performance independent of education and consistently across cohorts. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying these associations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1040-1054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizem Hülür ◽  
Nilam Ram ◽  
Sherry L. Willis ◽  
K. Warner Schaie ◽  
Denis Gerstorf

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 575-576
Author(s):  
Gizem Hueluer ◽  
Elizabeth A L Stine-Morrow

Abstract Cognitive aging research is gaining societal and practical importance because of population aging. Current research is focused on describing age differences and age-related changes in cognitive performance, understanding potential causes underlying these differences and changes, and identifying factors that promote maintenance of cognitive functioning in old age. The goal of this research group is to showcase new developments in research studying age differences in cognitive performance and longitudinal cognitive change in the second half of life. Hülür et al. examine associations between midlife occupational factors and trajectories of cognitive change using data from the German Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Development and Aging (ILSE). Luo et al. use 12-year longitudinal data from 499 older participants in ILSE to study bidirectional associations between social relationships and cognitive performance. Small et al. examine the correspondence between objective and subjective cognitive performance, and measures of fatigue and depressed mood in experience sampling data from breast cancer survivors. Haas et al. compare laboratory and at-home online assessments of cognitive status and prospective memory over the adult lifespan and evaluate the quality of self-administered tests. The discussion by Elizabeth Stine-Morrow will focus on how these approaches contribute to our understanding of processes of cognitive aging and how they can be utilized to promote maintenance of cognitive functioning in old age.


2020 ◽  
pp. 070674372097482
Author(s):  
Shane J. McInerney ◽  
Trisha Chakrabarty ◽  
Malgorzata Maciukiewicz ◽  
Benicio N. Frey ◽  
Glenda M. MacQueen ◽  
...  

Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with impairments in both cognition and functioning. However, whether cognitive deficits significantly contribute to impaired psychosocial and occupational functioning, independent of other depressive symptoms, is not well established. We examined the relationship between cognitive performance and functioning in depressed patients before and after antidepressant treatment using secondary data from the first Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression-1 study. Methods: Cognition was assessed at baseline in unmedicated, depressed participants with MDD ( n = 207) using the Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized battery, psychosocial functioning with the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and occupational functioning with the Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS). Cognition ( n = 181), SDS ( n = 175), and LEAPS ( n = 118) were reassessed after participants received 8 weeks of open-label escitalopram monotherapy. A series of linear regressions were conducted to determine (1) whether cognitive functioning was associated with psychosocial and occupational functioning prior to treatment, after adjusting for overall depressive symptom severity and (2) whether changes in cognitive functioning after an 8-week treatment phase were associated with changes in psychosocial and occupational functioning, after adjusting for changes in overall symptom severity. Results: Baseline global cognitive functioning, after adjusting for depression symptom severity and demographic variables, was associated with the SDS work/study subscale (β = −0.17; P = 0.03) and LEAPS productivity subscale (β = −0.17; P = 0.05), but not SDS total (β = 0.19; P = 0.12) or LEAPS total (β = 0.41; P = 0.17) scores. Although LEAPS and SDS scores showed significant improvements after 8 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.001), there were no significant associations between changes in cognitive domain scores and functional improvements. Conclusion: Cognition was associated with occupational functioning at baseline, but changes in cognition were not associated with psychosocial or occupational functional improvements following escitalopram treatment. We recommend the use of more comprehensive functional assessments to determine the impact of cognitive change on functional outcomes in future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Wörn ◽  
Hannie Comijs ◽  
Marja Aartsen

Abstract Objectives The study investigates whether the disadvantaged position of men in the adverse consequences of widowhood for health and mortality also exists for changes in cognitive health. Methods We used data of up to 1,269 men and women aged 65 years and older who participated in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam in 3-yearly assessments between 1992 and 2012 (5,123 person-observations). All were married and without cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination ≥ 24) at baseline and up to 419 lost their spouse. In fixed effects regression models, the effect of spousal loss on change in four domains of cognitive functioning was estimated independently of age-related cognitive change. Results For women, a robust temporary decrease was found in the second year after spousal loss in the reasoning domain, but not in global cognitive functioning, processing speed, or memory. No robust effects were found for men. Discussion Considering that only one cognitive domain was affected and effects were temporary, cognitive functioning seems rather robust to the experience of spousal loss. Despite men having often been reported to be in a disadvantaged position in other health domains, our analyses indicate no such pattern for cognitive functioning.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 591-592
Author(s):  
Karen Siedlecki

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 &gt;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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 780-781
Author(s):  
Andrea Rosso ◽  
Jennifer Manly

Abstract Racial and ethnic disparities in age-related cognitive function and dementia risk in the US are well recognized. However, the psychosocial drivers of these disparities and underlying mechanisms are less well studied. This symposium will highlight novel research regarding our current understanding of racial/ethnic differences in brain and cognitive aging and the underlying mechanisms of the disparities. Frist, two papers will describe results regarding racial/ethnic differences in cognitive function and brain aging markers. Few studies have assessed racial/ethnic differences in cognitive function across age groups. Indira Turney will utilize data from a multigenerational study to explore how age impacts racial/ethnic differences in cognitive function. Underlying brain mechanisms of racial/ethnic differences in cognitive outcomes are also not well defined. Sara Godina will present a systematic review of racial/ethnic differences in structural markers of brain aging and neuropathology. Second, three papers will explore how various risk factors may explain the racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive outcomes. Melissa Lamar will demonstrate the differential associations of various blood pressure indicators with cognitive change among black older adults. B. Gwen Windham will present data from two studies that illustrate differential effects of common risk factors by race and region, highlighting inherent difficulties in race-place disparity research. Finally, Laura Zahodne will present results on how psychosocial factors, beyond socioeconomic status, contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive function. Jen Manly will lead a discussion on the implications of these results for the future of dementia prevention efforts for an increasingly diverse older US population.


Author(s):  
Charlotta Nilsen ◽  
Monica E Nelson ◽  
Ross Andel ◽  
Michael Crowe ◽  
Deborah Finkel ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives We examined associations between job strain and trajectories of change in cognitive functioning (general cognitive ability plus verbal, spatial, memory, and speed domains) before and after retirement. Method Data on indicators of job strain, retirement age, and cognitive factors were available from 307 members of the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA). Participants were followed for up to 27 years (mean=15.4, SD=8.5). Results In growth curve analyses controlling for age, sex, education, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular health, and twinness, greater job strain was associated with worse memory (Estimate=-1.22, p=.007), speed (Estimate=-1.11, p=.012), spatial ability (Estimate=-0.96, p=.043), and general cognitive ability (Estimate=-1.33, p=.002) at retirement. Greater job strain was also associated with less improvement in general cognitive ability before retirement and a somewhat slower decline after retirement. The sex-stratified analyses showed that the smaller gains of general cognitive ability before retirement (Estimate=-1.09, p=.005) were only observed in women. Domain-specific analyses revealed that greater job strain was associated with less improvement in spatial (Estimate=-1.35, p=.010) and verbal (Estimate=-0.64, p=.047) ability before retirement in women, and a slower decline in memory after retirement in women (Estimate=0.85, p=.008) and men (Estimate=1.12, p=.013). Neither pre-retirement nor post-retirement speed was affected by job strain. Discussion Greater job strain may have a negative influence on overall cognitive functioning prior to and at retirement, while interrupting exposure to job strain (post-retirement) may slow the rate of cognitive aging. Reducing level of stress at work should be seen as a potential target for intervention to improve cognitive aging outcomes.


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