scholarly journals DEPRESSION AND COGNITIVE DECLINE OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE TRANSITION TO WIDOWHOOD

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S976-S976
Author(s):  
Feng Zhao ◽  
Peter Martin ◽  
Gina Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Initial Level ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Growth Curve Analysis ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Latent Growth Curve Analysis ◽  
Over Time

Abstract This study examined the trajectories of depression and cognitive function in the transition to widowhood and investigated the temporal and causal relationship between these two closely related constructs. Respondents were 1,822 widowed adults aged 51 to 91 from a restructured data set (Wave 3 to Wave 12) of the Health and Retirement Study. The results of cross-lagged panel analysis indicated a bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition decline, but the effects of cognitive impairment at earlier time points on later depression were larger than the effects of previous depressive symptoms on later cognition. The latent growth curve analysis showed that the cognitive function declined over time, whereas the initial level of depressive symptoms first increased following widowhood and gradually decreased over time. Significant negative associations were found between the initial levels of depression and cognitive function (p < .001) and between the rates of change of these two variables (p = .025). Older adults tended to have lower initial level of cognitive function and they showed faster cognitive decline over time. Female respondents were more likely to report more depressive symptoms and higher cognitive function. White respondents were more likely to report fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of cognitive function. Higher levels of education were protective for one’s cognitive function but not for depressive symptoms. The study highlighted the reciprocal relationship between depression and cognitive function following widowhood and pointed out that accelerated cognitive decline may precede elevated levels of depression.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Relationships Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Objective Memory: Depressive Symptoms Mediate Between-Person Associations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nikki L. Hill ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Bratlee-Whitaker ◽  
Jennifer R. Turner ◽  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Over Time

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early indicator of cognitive impairment, but depressive symptoms can confound this relationship. Associations may be influenced by differences between individuals (i.e., between-persons) or how each individual changes in their experiences over time (i.e., within-persons). Objective: We examined depressive symptoms as a mediator of the between- and within-person associations of SCD and objective memory in older adults. Methods: Coordinated analyses were conducted across four datasets drawn from large longitudinal studies. Samples (range: n = 1,889 to n = 15,841) included participants 65 years of age or older with no dementia at baseline. We used multilevel structural equation modeling to examine the mediation of SCD and objective memory through depressive symptoms, as well as direct relationships among SCD, objective memory, and depressive symptoms. Results: Older adults who were more likely to report SCD had lower objective memory on average (between-person associations), and depressive symptoms partially mediated this relationship in three of four datasets. However, changes in depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between reports of SCD and declines in objective memory in three of four datasets (within-person associations). Conclusion: Individual differences in depressive symptoms, and not changes in an individual’s depressive symptoms over time, partially explain the link between SCD and objective memory. Older adults with SCD and depressive symptoms may be at greater risk for poor cognitive outcomes. Future research should explore how perceived changes in memory affect other aspects of psychological well-being, and how these relationships influence cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk.

The Bidirectional Association Between Physical and Cognitive Function Among Chinese Older Adults: A Mediation Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502094021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohang Zhao ◽  
Lei Jin ◽  
Skylar Biyang Sun
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Vicious Cycle ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Bidirectional Association

This study investigated the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function in later life and examined the mechanisms underlying the interrelationship. We employed cross-lagged panel models to analyze a sample of 4232 unique participants aged 65 years and older from three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Physical activity and social participation were tested as potential mediators between physical and cognitive function. Our findings revealed a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive function and a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive decline. Moreover, physical activity was confirmed to mediate the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function, whereas social participation did not seem to be a mediator. A vicious cycle linking physical and cognitive decline may exist in Chinese older adults. However, leading a physically active lifestyle could be an effective intervention to slow physical and cognitive aging, thereby toning down the vicious cycle.

Religious Doubt, Depressive Symptoms, and Rumination at an Advanced Age

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 287-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evalyne Thauvoye ◽  
Eline Nijsten ◽  
Jessie Dezutter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Religious Doubt ◽  
Late Adulthood ◽  
Over Time

Individuals in late adulthood are often confronted with difficulties and challenges that elicit existential questions and doubts, including religious doubts. Although research has shown that unresolved religious doubts increase the risk for depression, it remains unclear how they are related to each other in late adulthood and which mechanisms are underlying this relationship. Therefore, in a longitudinal study of 329 older adults aged 65-99 and living in a nursing home, the relation between religious doubt and depressive symptoms was explored as well as the mediation effect of rumination on this relationship. The results confirmed the relation between religious doubt and the experience of depressive symptoms, with a bidirectional influence over time. However, the findings indicated that this reciprocal relationship was not mediated by rumination. The study highlights the importance of identifying older adults who experience religious doubt and who are at risk for or suffer from depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Patterns and risk factors of cognitive decline among community-dwelling Korean older adults: The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2016)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhee Shin ◽  
Eunhee Cho
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Normal Cognitive Function ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Dementia prevalence is increasing worldwide, and thus, the global impact of cognitive impairment and dementia has become a priority public health issue. This study aimed to assess the patterns of and risk factors for cognitive decline over time in community-dwelling Korean adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods Older adults with normal cognitive function at baseline in 2006 were evaluated, and changes in their cognitive function were followed over time. The data were obtained from the 2006–2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Cognitive function in 2016 was classified based on the Korean-Mini-Mental State Examination score as normal, mild dementia, and moderate and severe dementia. The t-test, ANOVA, and linear mixed models were used to analyse the patterns and risk factors f cognitive decline over time. Results Of the 1,262 participants examined, 752 maintained normal cognitive function, 267 older adults showed a change from normal cognitive function to mild dementia, and 243 older adults showed a decline from normal cognitive function to moderate and severe dementia between 2006 and 2016. There were significant differences in cognitive function over time among the three groups, and these were influenced by age, gender, education level, religion, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, regular exercise, number of meetings with friends, and depression. The differences have gradually increased over 10 years. Conclusions This study identified the patterns of cognitive decline over time and important factors related to cognitive decline. Individualised interventions such as improving physical function through regular exercise, increasing social activity, and managing depression by early detection and treatment may contribute to maintain cognitive function.

scholarly journals Pain Management and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 527-527
Author(s):  
Xi Pan ◽  
Hongdao Meng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Body Pain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Chronic pain and cognitive decline are common age-related conditions affecting a large segment of older populations. Little is known about the pathway of cognitive functioning during the course of pain management in older adults. The current study aimed to examine the association between chronic body pain management and cognitive function over time among Chinese older adults. A total of 792 respondents aged 60 and above from urban and rural households in 28 provinces, 150 counties/districts, and 450 communities were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2013–2015). Cognitive function was measured in three domains: episodic memory, mental status, and global cognitive function. Difference-indifferences approach and mixed-effects linear regression models were employed to assess the association between chronic body pain management and cognitive function over time. Scores of mental status were found to decline slower by 0.49 unit (SE = 0.22, p < 0.05) in respondents who received pain management using analgesics, complementary and alternative medicine, or both from 2013 to 2015 after controlling for basic demographic and health confounders. Chronic pain management was associated with slower decline in domain-specific cognitive function, mental status over time. Findings of the study may contribute to understanding the mechanism of change in diverse cognitive abilities attributable to pain symptoms. More research is needed to elucidate the mediating effect of pain on cognitive decline, which could lead to testing of the impact of pain management on cognitive function among older population in both clinical and community settings.

scholarly journals FACTORS INFLUENCING EPISODIC MEMORY IN SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: AN IMPLICATION FOR DEMENTIA PREVENTION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S890-S890
Author(s):  
Sangwoo Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Episodic memory is typically affected early in the process of Alzheimer’s disease. Little is known about factors affecting episodic memory in subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The purpose of this study was to identify vascular and neuropsychiatric risk factors associated with episodic memory changes in older adults with SCD. Using the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center-Uniform Data Set, the relationship between baseline modifiable risk factors and episodic memory changes was analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression models. The study included a total of 1,401 subjects with SCD (mean ages: 74.0±8.2 years, 67.5% females, 84.2% White, mean follow-up period: 4.1±2.4 years). In univariate adjusted model, statistically significant coefficients on main effect or interaction with time were selected and entered into multivariate model, which was adjusted mutually for chosen independent variables and for all covariates. Reference in the final model was subjects without 1) hypercholesterolemia, 2) cigarette smoking history, and 3) depression. Those with hypercholesterolemia and former smokers had 0.024 and 0.035 points higher episodic memory scores than reference at baseline with similar rate of score changes between each group and reference over time, respectively. Current smokers scored 0.081 points lower than reference at baseline with similar rate of change over time between groups. Despite no difference at baseline, the score of depressed subjects decreased by 0.014 points a year compared to reference. It is important to manage current smoking and depression for older adults with SCD. Further research needs to identify which levels of cholesterol and smoking have a protective effect on episodic memory.

scholarly journals PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MEDIATES THE EFFECTS OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS ON THE COGNITIVE FUNCTION OF OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S378-S379
Author(s):  
Yit Mui Khoo ◽  
Hisako Matsuo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mediation Analysis ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Evidence suggests that depressive symptoms among older adults were associated with cognitive impairment and affect cognitive decline over time, while physical activity was associated with lower risk of cognitive decline or have positive effect on cognitive function. The purpose of this study is to examine whether physical activity could mediate the effects of depressive symptoms on the cognitive function of older adults. Data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) of older adults ≥ 60 years (N=9,753) were used. Hierarchical regression was conducted to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms, physical activity, and cognitive function. Mediation analysis was used to examine whether physical activity could mediate the effects of depressive symptoms on cognitive function. Regression results indicated that increased depressive symptoms was associated with poorer cognitive function, while increased moderate and mild physical activity were associated with better cognitive function. Mediation analysis indicated that the direct effect of depressive symptoms on cognitive function was significant. The indirect effect of depressive symptoms on cognitive function mediated by moderate and mild physical activity were also significant. Findings suggest that physical activity could potentially improve the cognitive function of older adults who have depressive symptoms. Moderate and mild physical activity could benefit older adults with depressive symptoms and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Frail, disabled or chronically ill older adults are less likely to participate in vigorous physical activity, but they could benefit from moderate or mild physical activity and have better cognitive health.

scholarly journals THE COURSE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN OLDER ADULTS RECEIVING IN-HOME CARE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S270-S270
Author(s):  
Anne-Sofie Helvik ◽  
maria Barca ◽  
Sverre Bergh ◽  
Jūratė Šaltytė –Benth ◽  
Tom Borza
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Over Time

Abstract The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence, incidence and persistence of depressive symptoms over a 36-month follow-up period among older people receiving in-home care, and to explore the association between cognitive function and the course of depressive symptoms. In all, 1001 older people (≥ 70 years) receiving in-home care were included in a longitudinal study over 36 months. Depressive symptoms, cognitive function, general medical health, activities of daily living, neuropsychiatric symptoms and use psychotropic drugs were assessed at three assessments. Dementia and mild cognitive impairment were diagnosed at all assessments. Baseline demographic characteristics and information on nursing home residency at follow-up were recorded. Linear mixed models were estimated. We found the prevalence and cumulative incidence of individual depressive symptoms to be higher in those with dementia at baseline than in those without. The persistence of depressive symptoms did not differ between those with or without dementia at baseline. The severity of cognitive decline and mean depressive symptom score assessed simultaneously were positively associated, but the strength of the association changed over time and was not significant at the last assessment. In conclusion: The differences in prevalence and cumulative incidence of depressive symptoms in those with and without dementia at baseline, and the association found between degree of cognitive decline and depressive symptoms over time shows that depression and dementia are interconnected. Nurses and clinicians should pay attention to cognitive status when observing or evaluating depression among older people receiving in-home care.

scholarly journals Evidence of Mediation by Depressive Symptoms in the Association Between Frailty and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 167-167
Author(s):  
Nicholas Resciniti ◽  
Matthew Lohman ◽  
Anwar Merchant
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Frailty Phenotype ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Frailty and pre-frailty have been shown to predict cognitive decline in older adults; however, knowledge about mediating pathways in this association is lacking. This study aims to assess if depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between frailty and cognitive function. Frailty status, cognitive function scores, and depressive symptoms were measured in 4,672 community-dwelling US adults ≥65 and older from the Health and Retirement Study from 2006-2010. Fried’s frailty phenotype criteria (weakness, slowness, physical inactivity, low weight, and exhaustion) were used to categorize individuals as frail (3-5 criteria), pre-frail (1-2 criteria) and robust (0 criteria). Memory recall and global mental status (from 0-35) was used to determine cognitive function. The CES-D was used to assess depressive symptoms. A causal mediation analysis was performed to estimate the direct effect (DE), the direct effect (DE), and the indirect effect (IE). Both frailty (TE: β=-1.22; 95% CI: -1.75, -0.68) and pre-frailty (TE: β=-0.52; 95% CI: -0.86, -0.18) were found to be associated with lower cognitive scores, after adjusting for confounders. There was significant but small IE between frailty status and declining cognitive scores mediated by depressive symptoms [frailty: β=-0.09 (95% CI: -0.14, -0.03); pre-frailty: β = -0.03 (95% CI: -0.06, -0.01). Additionally, the DE was significant for frailty (β=-1.13; 95% CI: -1.67, -0.59) and pre-frailty (β=-0.49 95% CI: -0.82, -0.15). This study provides evidence that depressive symptoms may mediate the association between frailty and cognitive decline. The results suggest possible intervenable pathways for preventing or delaying cognitive decline.

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