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

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.

Download Full-text

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

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3406 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

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

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.505 ◽

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<.05) and perceptual speed (b=-0.185, SE=0.066, p<.01) than never smokers; current smokers had lower global cognition (b=-0.240, SE=0.060, p<.001), working memory (b=-0.340, SE=0.083, p<.001) and perceptual speed (b=-0.370, SE=0.075, p<.001) compared with never smokers. Smoking pack-years is negatively associated with global cognition (b=-0.003, SE=0.001,p<.001), episodic memory (b=-0.005, SE=0.001, p<.001), and perceptual speed (b=-0.004, SE=0.001, p<.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.

Download Full-text

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

Journal of Ageing and Longevity ◽

10.3390/jal1010004 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Speech Perception in Noise Is Associated With Different Cognitive Abilities in Chinese-Speaking Older Adults With and Without Hearing Aids

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.640300 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Yuan Chen ◽

Lena L. N. Wong ◽

Shaina Shing Chan ◽

Joannie Yu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Function ◽

Speech Perception ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Chinese Adults ◽

Speech Perception In Noise ◽

Older Chinese ◽

Older Chinese Adults

Chinese-speaking older adults usually do not perceive a hearing problem until audiometric thresholds exceed 45 dB HL, and the audiometric thresholds of the average hearing-aid (HA) user often exceed 60 dB HL. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive and hearing functions (measured as audiometric or speech reception thresholds) in older Chinese adults with HAs and with untreated hearing loss (HL). Participants were 49 Chinese older adults who used HAs and had moderate to severe HL (HA group), and 46 older Chinese who had mild to moderately severe HL but did not use HAs (untreated; or UT group). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate how well age, education level, audiometric thresholds, and speech perception in noise were related to performance on general cognitive function, working memory, executive function, attention, and verbal learning tests. Results showed that speech perception in noise alone accounted for 13–25% of the variance in general cognitive function, working memory, and executive function in the UT group, and 9–21% of the variance in general cognitive function and verbal learning in the HA group (i.e., medium effect sizes). Audiometric thresholds did not explain any proportion of the variance in cognitive functioning in the HA or UT group. Thus, speech perception in noise accounts for more variance in cognitive performance than audiometric thresholds, and is significantly associated with different cognitive functions in older Chinese adults with HAs and with untreated HL.

Download Full-text

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

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000485616 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 64 (3) ◽

pp. 246-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

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.

Download Full-text

Polyvictimization and Cognitive Function in an Ethnic Minority Aging Population

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1651 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Influence of Cognitive Reserve on Cognitive Trajectories: Role of Brain Pathologies

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000012728 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012728

Author(s):

Xuerui Li ◽

Ruixue Song ◽

Xiuying Qi ◽

Hui Xu ◽

Wenzhe Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Reserve ◽

Late Life ◽

Mixed Effect ◽

Mixed Effect Models ◽

Global Cognition

Background and Objectives:Evidence on the association of the cognitive reserve (CR) with the cognitive trajectories is limited. We aimed to examine the influence of CR indicator on domain-specific cognitive trajectories taking brain pathologies into account.Methods:Within the Rush Memory and Aging Project, 1,697 dementia-free participants (mean age: 79.6 years) were followed up to 21 years. CR indicator encompassing education, early-life, mid-life, and late-life cognitive activities, and late-life social activity was ascertained at baseline and categorized as tertiles (the lowest, middle, and highest). Global cognition, episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, visuospatial ability, and perceptual speed were assessed annually with 19 tests, from which composite scores were derived. During the follow-up, 648 died and underwent autopsies to evaluate brain pathologies. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models.Results:Among the participants, the score of the CR indicator ranged from -8.00 to 5.74 (mean: 0.00±2.23). In multi-adjusted mixed-effect models, compared to the lowest CR, the highest was related to a slower decline in global cognition (β=0.028, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.012 to 0.043), episodic memory (β=0.028, 95% CI: 0.010 to 0.047) and working memory (β=0.019, 95% CI: 0.005 to 0.033) during the follow-up. In brain pathological data analysis, the association of the highest CR with cognitive function changes remained significant among participants with high Alzheimer’s disease pathology or gross infarcts.Discussion:High CR indicator is associated with preserved global cognitive function, episodic memory, and working memory, even in the presence of brain pathologies. Our findings highlight the important role of high CR accumulation in the prevention of cognitive decline.

Download Full-text

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

Research on Aging ◽

10.1177/0164027520939250 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

CUMULATIVE ADVERSITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3411 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Social Isolation and Cognitive Function: Evidence From Older Chinese Americans

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1628 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 504-504

Author(s):

Dexia Kong ◽

Ying-Yu Chao ◽

Fengyan Tang ◽

XinQi Dong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Chinese Americans ◽

Potential Health ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Older Chinese ◽

The Relationship ◽

Older Chinese Americans

Abstract Chinese older adults are particularly vulnerable to social isolation due to various barriers they face in developing/maintaining social networks (i.e. limited English proficiency and transportation barriers) in the U.S. However, the prevalence of social isolation and its potential health consequences in this rapidly growing minority aging population remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, the current study examines the prevalence of social isolation, and the relationship between social isolation and cognitive function among U.S. Chinese older adults. Data were obtained from the Population-based Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago collected between 2011 and 2013 (N=3,157). A four-item index (including living alone, not married, lack of confidant, and low participation in social activities) was constructed to assess social isolation (range: 0 to 4, a score of ≥2 was used to identify individuals who were most isolated). Cognitive function was measured by five validated instruments (range: -2.8 to 2.0). Nearly 22% of the sample were socially isolated. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that social isolation accounted for 44% of variance in global cognitive functioning. Chinese older adults with greater levels of social isolation had poorer overall cognitive function (B= -0.05, SE=0.01, p=0.001). Study findings highlight the importance of addressing social isolation in cognitive aging among older Chinese Americans. Culturally tailored interventions facilitating the development of supportive social networks/ support have the potential to mitigate cognitive decline in this population. Future longitudinal studies need to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between social isolation and cognitive function. Practice implications will be discussed.

Download Full-text