Old Age and Loneliness: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analyses in the Tampere Longitudinal Study on Aging

2004 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marja Jylhä
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine whether older age is associated with increasing loneliness in people aged 60 and over. Data came from TamELSA, a population-based prospective longitudinal study in Tampere, Finland. The follow-up time was 20 years. Loneliness was measured by a single question – “Do you feel lonely?“ – with the possible answers often, sometimes, or never. Cross-sectional analysis showed that the percentage of subjects feeling lonely increased toward older age groups, but in a multivariate analysis, only household composition and social participation were independently associated with loneliness. Longitudinal analysis showed that loneliness increased with higher age. Over a 10-year period, loneliness increased most in those who, at baseline, were married and living alone with their spouse. In conclusion, only a minority of older people continuously suffer from loneliness. Loneliness does increase with age, not because of age per se, but because of increasing disability and decreasing social integration.

scholarly journals A prospective longitudinal study shows putamen volume is associated with moderate amphetamine use and resultant cognitive impairments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith M Kendrick ◽  
Joerg Daumann ◽  
Daniel Wagner ◽  
Philip Koester ◽  
Marc Tittgemeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

AbstractBackgroundAmphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) have become a critical public health issue. Animal models have indicated a clear neurotoxic potential of ATSs. In humans, chronic use has been associated with cognitive deficits and structural brain abnormalities. However, cross-sectional retrospective designs in chronic users cannot truly determine the causal direction of the effects.MethodsIn a prospective-longitudinal study design cognitive functioning and brain structure were assessed at baseline and at 12-months follow-up in occasional ATS users (cumulative lifetime use <10 units at baseline).ResultsExamination of change-scores between the initial examination and follow-up revealed declined verbal memory performance and putamen volume in users with high relative to low interim ATS exposure. In the entire sample interim ATS use, memory decline and putamen volume reductions were strongly associated.ConclusionsThe present findings support the hypothesis that ATS use is associated with deficient dorsal striatal morphology which might reflect alterations in dopaminergic pathways. More importantly, these findings strongly suggest that even occasional, low-dose ATS use disrupts striatal integrity and cognitive functioning.

scholarly journals A prospective longitudinal study shows putamen volume is associated with moderate amphetamine use and resultant cognitive impairments

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Keith M Kendrick ◽  
Joerg Daumann ◽  
Daniel Wagner ◽  
Philip Koester ◽  
Marc Tittgemeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Background Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) have become a critical public health issue. Animal models have indicated a clear neurotoxic potential of ATSs. In humans, chronic use has been associated with cognitive deficits and structural brain abnormalities. However, cross-sectional retrospective designs in chronic users cannot truly determine the causal direction of the effects. Objective To prospectively determine effects of occasional ATS use on cognitive functioning and brain structure. Methods In a prospective longitudinal study design, cognitive functioning and brain structure were assessed at baseline and at 12-month follow-up in occasional ATS users (cumulative lifetime use &lt;10 units at baseline). Results Examination of change scores between the initial examination and follow-up revealed declined verbal memory performance and putamen volume in users with high relative to low interim ATS exposure. In the entire sample, interim ATS use, memory decline, and putamen volume reductions were strongly associated. Conclusions The present findings support the hypothesis that ATS use is associated with deficient dorsal striatal morphology that might reflect alterations in dopaminergic pathways. More importantly, these findings strongly suggest that even occasional, low-dose ATS use disrupts striatal integrity and cognitive functioning.

scholarly journals Associations between Hypertension, Treatment, and Cognitive Function in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3735
Author(s):  
Sook Ling Leong ◽  
Ian H. Robertson ◽  
Brian Lawlor ◽  
Sven Vanneste
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Hypertension Treatment ◽  
Hypertension Status ◽  
Antihypertensive Medications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Epidemiological studies have produced conflicting results regarding the associations between the use of different hypertensive drugs and cognition. Data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a nationwide prospective longitudinal study of adults aged 50 or more years, was used to explore the associations between hypertensive status, categories of antihypertensive and cognitive function controlling for age, education, and other demographic and lifestyle factors. The study sample included 8173 participants. ANCOVAs and multivariate regressions were used to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between cognitive function and hypertension status and the different categories of hypertensive medication. Hypertension was not associated with decline in global cognitive and executive functions and were fully explained by age and education. Different hypertensive medications were not associated with cognitive function. Consistent with previous studies, changes in cognition can largely be explained by age and education. The use of antihypertensive medications is neither harmful nor protective for cognition.

Age groups changes in self-rated health: A prospective longitudinal study over a 20-year period using Health Survey of North Trøndelag data

2020 ◽  
pp. 140349482090462
Author(s):  
Frode Lysberg ◽  
Siw Tone Innstrand ◽  
Milada Cvancarova Småstuen ◽  
Cathrine Lysberg ◽  
Magnhild Mjåvatn Høie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in self-rated health (SRH) between different age groups and sexes over a 20-year period. Methods: Data were retrieved from the large longitudinal Health Survey of North Trøndelag, Norway, which includes data collected from more than 190,000 participants aged 20–70+ years between the years 1984 and 2008. Data were analysed using logistic regression and adjusted for sex. Results: From 1984 to 2008, the odds of scoring higher on SRH decreased by 46% in the youngest age group (20–29 years) and increased by approximately 35% in the middle-aged and older age groups (40–70+ years). When considering sex differences, women in most age groups scored lower than the men on their SRH. Conclusions: Our finding suggest a trending shift in SRH, with a reduction in the youngest age group (20–29 years) and an increase in the middle-aged and older age groups (40–70+ years). Despite the sex differences being small, our data indicate that in most age groups, women tend to score lower than men on their SRH. Future studies should focus on these trends to understand better the mechanisms underlying these changes in SRH and to follow future trends to see if the trend is reinforced or diminished.

scholarly journals Changes in self-rated health and quality of life among Syrian refugees migrating to Norway: a prospective longitudinal study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Haj-Younes ◽  
Elisabeth Marie Strømme ◽  
Jannicke Igland ◽  
Bernadette Kumar ◽  
Eirik Abildsnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Forced migrants can be exposed to various stressors that can impact their health and wellbeing. How the different stages in the migration process impacts health is however poorly explored. The aim of this study was to examine changes in self-rated health (SRH) and quality of life (QoL) among a cohort of adult Syrian refugees before and after resettlement in Norway. Method We used a prospective longitudinal study design with two assessment points to examine changes in health among adult Syrian resettlement refugees in Lebanon accepted for resettlement in Norway. We gathered baseline data in 2017/2018 in Lebanon and subsequently at follow-up one year after arrival. The main outcomes were good SRH measured by a single validated item and QoL measured by WHOQOL-BREF. We used generalized estimating equations to investigate changes in outcomes over time and incorporated interaction terms in the models to evaluate effect modifications. Results In total, 353 subjects participated in the study. The percentage of participants reporting good SRH showed a non-significant increase from 58 to 63% RR, 95%CI: 1.1 (1.0, 1.2) from baseline to follow-up while mean values of all four QoL domains increased significantly from baseline to follow-up; the physical domain from 13.7 to 15.7 B, 95%CI: 1.9 (1.6, 2.3), the psychological domain from 12.8 to 14.5 B, 95%CI: 1.7 (1.3, 2.0), social relationships from 13.7 to 15.3 B, 95%CI: 1.6 (1.2, 2.0) and the environmental domain from 9.0 to 14.0 5.1 B, 95%CI: (4.7, 5.4). Positive effect modifiers for improvement in SRH and QoL over time include male gender, younger age, low level of social support and illegal status in transit country. Conclusion Our results show that good SRH remain stable while all four QoL domains improve, most pronounced in the environment domain. Understanding the dynamics of migration and health is a fundamental step in reaching health equity.

Sleep duration and overweight in Chinese adolescents: a prospective longitudinal study with 2-year follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 321-328
Author(s):  
Qing-Hai Gong ◽  
Si-Xuan Li ◽  
Si-Jia Wang ◽  
Yan-Hui Wu ◽  
Li-Yuan Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Co- and multimorbidity patterns in an unselected Norwegian population: cross-sectional analysis based on the HUNT Study and theoretical reflections concerning basic medical models

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margret Olafia Tomasdottir ◽  
Linn Getz ◽  
Johann A Sigurdsson ◽  
Halfdan Petursson ◽  
Anna Luise Kirkengen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disease Clusters ◽  
Diagnostic Categories ◽  
Norwegian Population ◽  
Somatic Diseases ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Rationale and aims: Accumulating evidence shows that diseases tend to cluster in diseased individuals, so-called multimorbidity. The aim of this study was to analyze multimorbidity patterns, empirically and theoretically, to better understand the phenomenon. Population and methods: The Norwegian population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study HUNT 3 (2006-8), with 47,959 individuals aged 20-79 years. A total of 21 relevant, longstanding diseases/malfunctions were eligible for counting in each participant. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more chronic conditions.Results: Multimorbidity was found in 18% of individuals aged 20 years. The prevalence increased with age in both sexes. The overall age-standardized prevalence was 42% (39% for men, 46% for women). ‘Musculoskeletal disorders’ was the disease-group most frequently associated with multimorbidity. Three conditions, strategically selected to represent different diagnostic domains according to biomedical tradition; gastro-esophageal reflux, thyroid disease and dental problems, were all associated with both mental and somatic comorbid conditions. Conclusions and implications: Multimorbidity appears to be prevalent in both genders and across age-groups, even in the affluent and relatively equitable Norwegian society. The disease clusters typically transcend biomedicine’s traditional demarcations between mental and somatic diseases and between diagnostic categories within each of these domains. A new theoretical approach to disease development and recovery is warranted, in order to adequately tackle ‘the challenge of multimorbidity’, both empirically and clinically. We think the concept allostatic load can be systematically developed to “capture” the interrelatedness of biography and biology and to address the fundamental significance of “that, which gains” versus “that, which drains” any given human being.

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