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.

scholarly journals Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bin Yu ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Xiaohua Jia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Confounding Variables

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Methods This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. Results Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. Conclusions Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE AGING IN OLDER MINORITY POPULATIONS: LONGITUDINAL EVIDENCE FROM U.S. CHINESE OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S814-S814
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Melissa Simon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Minority Populations ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The increasing diversity in the aging population warrants systematic investigations regarding ethnic differences related to cognitive aging and ethnicity-unique risk factors. However, due to the great paucity of population-based longitudinal data on cognitive aging in racial/ethnic minority populations, our knowledge in this area remain limited. The purpose of this symposium is, therefore, to examine various psychological, socio-cultural, and physical factors associated with cognitive aging among U.S. Chinese older adults, representing one of the biggest and fastest growing older minority populations nationally. Using longitudinal data from a population-based prospective cohort study, namely The Population Study of ChINese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) with a sample size of 3,157, this symposium presents findings from five research projects. Session 1 investigates the relationship between psychological well-being and change of cognitive function over four years. Session 2 and 3 examine the relationships between two socio-cultural factors and cognitive function. Specifically, session 2 investigates the associations between immigration-related factors and the incidence of cognitive impairment. Session 3 explores the relationship between cognitive function and Tai-Chi practice. Session 4 and 5 examine the relationships between two physical health indicators and cognitive aging. Specifically, session 4 examines the relationship between physical function and change of cognitive function over two years. Session 5 explores the association between body mass index and cognitive function decline over two years. Taken together, this symposium aims to further our knowledge of cognitive aging among ethnically/culturally diverse populations. The research findings will identify unique factors related to cognitive aging in older minority populations.

Abstract MP88: Fetuin-A, a Vascular Biomarker of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail A Laughlin ◽  
Linda K McEvoy ◽  
Elizabeth Barrett-Connor ◽  
Lori B Daniels ◽  
Joachim H Ix
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fetuin A ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Age Related

Objectives: The contribution of vascular disease to neurocognitive decline is now widely recognized. Fetuin-A is an abundant plasma protein known to predict vascular disease. Prior studies have shown that fetuin-A levels are lower in patients with Alzheimer’s disease in direct proportion to the severity of cognitive impairment; however, their association with normal cognitive aging is unknown. We evaluated the association of serum fetuin-A levels with cognitive function in relatively high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults from the Rancho Bernardo Study. Methods: This is a population-based study of 1382 older adults (median age 75) who had plasma fetuin-A levels and cognitive function evaluated in 1992-96; 855 had repeat cognitive function assessment a median of 4 years later. Results: Adjusting for age, sex, education, and depression, higher levels of fetuin-A were associated with better baseline performance on the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) (P=0.012) and a tendency for better Trails Making B scores (P=0.066). In longitudinal analyses, the likelihood of a major decline (highest decile of change) in Trails B was 29% lower (P=0.010) for each SD higher baseline fetuin-A level; odds of major decline in MMSE was 42% lower (P=0.005) per SD higher fetuin-A for individuals with no known CVD, but were not related to fetuin-A in those with CVD (P=0.33). Fetuin-A was not related to Category Fluency performance. Results did not vary by sex and were not explained by numerous vascular risk factors and comorbidities. Conclusions: Higher plasma fetuin-A concentrations are associated with better performance on tests of global cognitive function and executive function and with reduced likelihood of major decline in these cognitive abilities over a 4-year period. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that higher fetuin-A protects against cognitive decline in relatively high functioning older adults, although this may be less apparent in those with established vascular disease. Fetuin-A may serve as a biological link between vascular disease and normal age-related cognitive decline.

scholarly journals BODY MASS INDEX AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION DECLINE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S815-S815
Author(s):  
Yingxiao Hua ◽  
Yingxiao Hua ◽  
Dexia Kong ◽  
XinQi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Work Memory ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Chinese Older Adults

Abstract Body composition has been proposed as an important modifiable risk factor of cognitive decline in multiple epidemiological studies. However, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function remains controversial and conflicting in diverse populations. This study aims to investigate the association between BMI and cognitive decline in U.S. Chinese older adults. Classifications of BMI are based on Asian criteria recommended by WHO (underweight: BMI&lt;18.5, normal weight: 18.5≤BMI&lt;23, overweight: 23≤bmi&lt;27.5, obesity: bmi≥27.5). Logistic regression models were conducted. Compared with normal-weight participants, underweight participants were more likely to experience decline in episodic memory (OR=1.68, p=0.002) and work memory (OR=1.38, p=0.05). Being overweight and obesity were not associated with cognitive function decline. The findings indicate that underweight could potentially be a risk factor of cognitive function decline among U.S. Chinese older adults. Perspective studies may further investigate the association between weight loss and cognitive decline for the development of prevention strategies.

O1-05-06: Home-based physical activity improves cognitive function in older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline: Results from the FABS trial

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. T118-T119
Author(s):  
Nicola T. Lautenschlager ◽  
Kay L. Cox ◽  
Leon Flicker ◽  
Jonathan K. Foster ◽  
Frank van Bockxmeer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Increased Risk

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 &lt; .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 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 Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bin Yu ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Xiaohua Jia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Confounding Variables

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Methods This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. Results Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. Conclusions Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

Activity Engagement in Cognitive Aging: A Review of the Evidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Rogalski ◽  
Muriel Quintana
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

The population of older adults is rapidly increasing, as is the number and type of products and interventions proposed to prevent or reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Advocacy and prevention are part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) scope of practice documents, and speech-language pathologists must have basic awareness of the evidence contributing to healthy cognitive aging. In this article, we provide a brief overview outlining the evidence on activity engagement and its effects on cognition in older adults. We explore the current evidence around the activities of eating and drinking with a discussion on the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, alcohol, and coffee. We investigate the evidence on the hypothesized neuroprotective effects of social activity, the evidence on computerized cognitive training, and the emerging behavioral and neuroimaging evidence on physical activity. We conclude that actively aging using a combination of several strategies may be our best line of defense against cognitive decline.

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