Bridging Potential in Friend Networks and Cognitive Function in Older Korean Americans

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110412
Author(s):  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Jangmin Kim ◽  
Hyunwoo Yoon ◽  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
David A. Chiriboga
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Direct Benefit ◽  
Central Florida ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Older Korean Americans ◽  
Shed Light

Objectives To examine the associates of bridging potential in networks of friends and its impact on cognitive function in older Korean Americans. Methods Data came from 308 participants in Central Florida who were part of the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA). Using data from a name generator of three close friends in local Korean communities, non-overlapping networks were quantified for bridging potential. Linear regression models for bridging potential and cognitive function were examined. Results Bridging potential was greater among those with stronger social ties with friends in general and higher levels of activity engagement. The direct benefit of bridging potential on cognitive function was also confirmed. In addition, bridging potential was found to mediate the effect of social ties with friends on cognitive function. Discussion Findings underscore the interconnectedness of older immigrants’ social and cognitive function and shed light on interventions.

scholarly journals Health Risks Posed by Social and Linguistic Isolation in Older Korean Americans

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 303-303
Author(s):  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Hyunwoo Yoon ◽  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
David Chiriboga ◽  
Miyong Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
Older Korean Americans

Abstract Guided by the double jeopardy hypothesis, the present study examined the health risks posed by the coexistence of social and linguistic isolation in older Korean Americans. Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA, n = 2,032), comparisons of four isolation typologies (no isolation, social isolation only, linguistic isolation only, and dual isolation) were made, and their impacts on physical (self-rated health), mental (mental distress), and cognitive health (cognitive performance) were examined. The ‘dual isolation’ group exhibited greater sociodemographic and health disadvantages. The odds of having fair/poor health, mental distress, and cognitive impairment were 2.21-3.17 times higher in the ‘dual isolation’ group than those in the group with no isolation. Our findings confirm that both social relationships and language proficiency are key elements for older immigrants’ social connectedness and integration, deprivation of which puts them at risk in multidimensions of health.

Gender as a Moderator of the Effect of Education and Acculturation on Cognitive Function: A Study of Older Korean Immigrants

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1659-1666
Author(s):  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Yuri Jang ◽  
David A. Chiriboga
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Korean Immigrants ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
And Gender

Objectives: This study examined gender variations in the effect of education and acculturation on cognitive function in a group of older immigrants. Methods: Data were from the Study of Older Korean Americans, a multistate survey of Korean Americans aged 60 years and older ( N = 2061). Multivariate linear regression models of cognitive function, measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination, were tested to examine the independent and interactive effects of education, acculturation, and gender. We hypothesized that gender would be a moderator in the relationships of education and acculturation with cognitive function. Results: Supporting the hypothesis, the positive effect of both education and acculturation was greater among women than men. Furthermore, the positive association of education with cognitive function was pronounced among women with low acculturation. Discussion: Our findings suggest that gender plays a critical role in determining the cognitive health benefit arising from education and acculturation singularly and in concert.

scholarly journals PHYSICAL-MENTAL-ORAL-COGNITIVE HEALTH IN OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS: A MULTISITE STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S406-S406
Author(s):  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
Min-Kyoung Rhee ◽  
Hyunwoo Yoon ◽  
Yong Ju Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Domains ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
Older Korean Americans

Abstract Using data from surveys with older Korean Americans (n = 2,150) conducted at five sites in the U.S. (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida), the present study explored the status of physical/mental/oral/cognitive health and its determinants. For each health domain, we examined how self-rating (excellent/very good/good/fair/poor) of health was associated with other domain-relevant indicators (e.g., the number of chronic diseases, symptoms of depression, problems with teeth or gums, or cognitive performance) and sociocultural factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, acculturation, social network, and social cohesion). Geographic variation was also considered. The correlations between self-ratings and domain-relevant indicators in all health domains were significant but moderate. A series of multivariate regression models of self-ratings of physical/mental/oral/cognitive health not only confirmed the effect of the domain-relevant health indicators but also demonstrated a critical contribution of sociocultural determinants. Implications for older immigrants were discussed in terms of place, culture, and context.

Discordance Between Subjective and Objective Cognitive Function in Older Korean Americans

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432098840
Author(s):  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Yujin Franco ◽  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
David A. Chiriboga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Discordant Group ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
Normal Cognition ◽  
Older Korean Americans

Objectives: To examine predictors of membership in discordant groups identified by subjective and objective measures of cognitive function. Methods: Participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans ( N = 2046) were classified according to their subjective cognitive ratings ( excellent/ very good/ good vs. fair/ poor) and Mini-Mental State Examination scores (normal cognition vs. cognitive impairment), yielding two discordant groups: (1) positive ratings but cognitive impairment and (2) negative ratings but normal cognition. Logistic regression models examined how the discordant group membership was associated with personal resources. Results: Among those with positive cognitive ratings, the odds of belonging to the discordant group were associated with low personal resources (advanced age and lower levels of education, acculturation, and knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease). However, an opposite pattern was observed among those with negative ratings. Discussion: The pattern of discordance suggests ways to promote early detection of cognitive impairment and close the gap in cognitive health care.

The Influence of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on the Association of Regular Physical Activity With Cognition Among Individuals With Diabetes

2020 ◽  
pp. 109980042096664
Author(s):  
Tingting Liu ◽  
McKenzie D. Canon ◽  
Luqi Shen ◽  
Benjamin A. Marples ◽  
Joseph P. Colton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cognitive Benefits ◽  
Bdnf Val66met Polymorphism ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Exercise Induced

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with cognitive dysfunction that comes with substantial lifetime consequences, such as interference with diabetes self-management and reduced quality of life. Although regular physical activity has been consistently shown to enhance cognitive function among healthy subjects, significant interpersonal differences in exercise-induced cognitive outcomes have been reported among brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val/Val vs. Met carriers. However, the evidence on how the BDNF Val66Met variant influences the relationship between regular physical activity and cognition among individuals with diabetes is currently lacking. Methods: A total of 3,040 individuals with diabetes were included in this analysis using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Associations among moderate and vigorous physical activities (MVPA) and measures of cognitive function were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models within each stratum of the Val66Met genotypes. Results: MVPA was more strongly associated with total cognitive score, mental status, and words recall among Met/Met carriers, compared to Val/Val and Val/Met carriers. Conclusions: This study provided preliminary findings on how BDNF variants may modulate the exercise-induced cognitive benefits among mid-aged and older adults with diabetes. Given the limitations of the current study, it is necessary for randomized controlled trials to stratify by BDNF genotypes to more conclusively determine whether Met carriers benefit more from increased physical activity. In addition, future research is needed to examine how the interplay of BDNF Val66Met variants, DNA methylation, and physical activity may have an impact on cognitive function among adults with diabetes.

scholarly journals Correlates of Loneliness in Older Korean Americans: Interactive Effects of Negative Family Interactions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 634-634
Author(s):  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
Yuri Jang ◽  
David Chiriboga ◽  
Soondool Chung
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Family Interactions ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Older Korean Americans

Abstract This study examined factors affecting the feelings of loneliness among older Korean Americans. Data were drawn from a survey with older Korean Americans aged 60 or over (N = 2,150) in five states (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida), conducted during 2017−2018. In hierarchical multiple regression models, loneliness was regressed on five blocks of variables: (1) demographic/health (age, gender, education, financial status, chronic conditions, and physical disabilities); (2) immigration-related (length of stay in the U.S., and acculturation); (3) social engagement (having meals alone, family network, friend network, activity participation, and community engagement); (4) negative family interactions; and (5) interactions of negative family interactions with social engagement variables. A significant interaction was found in the relationship between friend network and negative family interactions: the impact of negative family interactions on loneliness was buffered by friend network. Implications of findings were discussed regarding working with older immigrants with limited social networks.

scholarly journals Higher Handgrip Strength Is Linked to Better Cognitive Performance in Chinese Adults with Hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 985
Author(s):  
Shenghua Lu ◽  
Fabian Herold ◽  
Yanjie Zhang ◽  
Yuruo Lei ◽  
Arthur F. Kramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

Objective: There is growing evidence that in adults, higher levels of handgrip strength (HGS) are linked to better cognitive performance. However, the relationship between HGS and cognitive performance has not been sufficiently investigated in special cohorts, such as individuals with hypertension who have an intrinsically higher risk of cognitive decline. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between HGS and cognitive performance in adults with hypertension using data from the Global Ageing and Adult Health Survey (SAGE). Methods: A total of 4486 Chinese adults with hypertension from the SAGE were included in this study. Absolute handgrip strength (aHGS in kilograms) was measured using a handheld electronic dynamometer, and cognitive performance was assessed in the domains of short-term memory, delayed memory, and language ability. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to examine the association between relative handgrip strength (rHGS; aHGS divided by body mass index) and measures of cognitive performance. Results: Overall, higher levels of rHGS were associated with higher scores in short-term memory (β = 0.20) and language (β = 0.63) compared with the lowest tertiles of rHGS. In male participants, higher HGS was associated with higher scores in short-term memory (β = 0.31), language (β = 0.64), and delayed memory (β = 0.22). There were no associations between rHGS and cognitive performance measures in females. Conclusion: We observed that a higher level of rHGS was associated with better cognitive performance among hypertensive male individuals. Further studies are needed to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms, including sex-specific differences driving the relationship between measures of HGS and cognitive performance in individuals with hypertension.

scholarly journals Age at Migration and Cognitive Health Among Chinese Older Immigrants in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110066
Author(s):  
Man Guo ◽  
Mengting Li ◽  
Hanzhang Xu ◽  
Meredith Stensland ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Age At Migration ◽  
Lower Education ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
State Examination ◽  
Linear Regressions

Objectives: This study addressed two questions: (1) Is age at migration associated with cognitive function among Chinese older immigrants? and (2) what personal and environmental factors confound the above relationship? Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly ( N = 2957). Quantile and linear regressions were used to examine the associations between age at migration and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and global cognitive function, respectively. Results: Migration in late middle age (50–64) or late adulthood (65 or older) was associated with lower MMSE scores. Global cognition did not vary by age at migration. Associations between age at migration and MMSE were stronger among individuals with lower education or social engagement. Discussion: Migrating late in one’s life has important implications for cognitive health over the life course. Findings are helpful to identify vulnerable older immigrant segments and provide tailored interventions to promote their cognitive health.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Social Isolation in Older Korean Americans

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
David A. Chiriboga ◽  
Hyunwoo Yoon ◽  
Jisook Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Older Korean Americans

54 Body Mass Index vs Weight-for-Length in Infancy and Cardiometabolic Outcomes at Age 8-10 Years

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e39-e39
Author(s):  
Jean-Baptiste Roberge ◽  
Soren Harnois-Leblanc ◽  
Vanessa McNealis ◽  
Andraea van Hulst ◽  
Tracie A Barnett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Growth Monitoring ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Eta Squared ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Primary Subject area Public Health and Preventive Medicine Background The WHO provides body mass index (BMI) curves for infants 0 to < 2 years old, but how these compare to the recommended method (weight-for-length [WFL]) in predicting later adiposity and cardiometabolic measures is uncertain. Objectives Our project aimed to: 1) confirm that WFL and BMI in infancy are associated with adiposity and cardiometabolic measures at 8-10 years old; and 2) compare the predictive ability of the two methods. We hypothesized that both methods would perform similarly. Design/Methods WFL and BMI Z-scores (zWFL and zBMI) at 6, 12, and 18 months of age were computed using data extracted from health booklets, used among participants in a prospective cohort study investigating the natural history of obesity and cardiovascular risk in youth (n = 464). Outcome measures at 8-10 years included adiposity, lipid profile, blood pressure, and insulin dynamics. The relationships between zWFL, zBMI, and each outcome were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. Outcome prediction at 8-10 years was compared between the two methods, using eta-squared and Lin’s concordance correlation. Results zWFL and zBMI were associated with all measures of adiposity at 8-10 years. Associations with other cardiometabolic measures were less consistent. For both zWFL and zBMI across infancy, eta-squared were highly similar and the Lin’s coefficients were markedly high (> 0.991) for all outcomes. Conclusion zBMI measured in infants appeared to be equivalent to zWFL for predicting adiposity and cardiometabolic measures in childhood. This lends support to the sole use of zBMI for growth monitoring and screening of overweight and obesity from birth to 18 years.

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