scholarly journals Health factors as potential mediators of the longitudinal effect of loneliness on general cognitive ability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Beam ◽  
Alice J. Kim ◽  
Nicole E. Greenberg ◽  
Shanna Burke
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Social Life ◽  
General Cognitive Ability ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Demographic Covariates ◽  
Physiological Risk

OBJECTIVE: Higher levels of loneliness in older adulthood predict cognitive decline, but research on mediating mechanisms is sparse. We examine multisystemic physiological risk, functional ability, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and social participation as mediating processes for the association between loneliness and general cognitive ability over a 10-year follow-up in an older adult sample. METHODS: Three waves of data from 3,005 individuals (mean intake age: 69.30 (SD: 7.85) years; female = 51.61%) recruited during Wave 1 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project were used to test whether hypothesized mediators collected at the 5-year follow-up explained effects of baseline loneliness on 10-year general cognitive ability. RESULTS: The relationship between baseline loneliness and 10-year general cognitive ability was not mediated by multisystemic physiological risk. Functional ability ( = -0.24, SE = 0.05, p < .001), self-rated health (= -0.08, SE = 0.02, p < .001), depressive symptoms (= -0.20, SE = 0.05, p < .001), and social participation ( = -0.03, SE = 0.01, p = .016) significantly mediated effects. Indirect effects remained significant after adjusting for demographic covariates and 5-year general cognitive ability, except social participation. DISCUSSION: Loneliness may influence cognitive ability indirectly, signaling waning physical and psychiatric health more proximally correlated with cognitive ability. These mechanisms may serve as targets of intervention for cognitive maintenance in lonely older adults.

Anaemia and physical and mental health in the very old: An individual participant data meta-analysis of four longitudinal studies of ageing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Palapar ◽  
Ngaire Kerse ◽  
Anna Rolleston ◽  
Wendy P J den Elzen ◽  
Jacobijn Gussekloo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objective To determine the physical and mental health of very old people (aged 80+) with anaemia. Methods Individual level meta-analysis from five cohorts of octogenarians (n = 2,392): LiLACS NZ Māori, LiLACS NZ non-Māori, Leiden 85-plus Study, Newcastle 85+ Study, and TOOTH. Mixed models of change in functional ability, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health over time were separately fitted for each cohort. We combined individual cohort estimates of differences according to the presence of anaemia at baseline, adjusting for age at entry, sex, and time elapsed. Combined estimates are presented as differences in standard deviation units (i.e. standardised mean differences–SMDs). Results The combined prevalence of anaemia was 30.2%. Throughout follow-up, participants with anaemia, on average, had: worse functional ability (SMD −0.42 of a standard deviation across cohorts; CI -0.59,-0.25); worse cognitive scores (SMD -0.27; CI -0.39,-0.15); worse depression scores (SMD -0.20; CI -0.31,-0.08); and lower ratings of their own health (SMD -0.36; CI -0.47,-0.25). Differential rates of change observed were: larger declines in functional ability for those with anaemia (SMD −0.12 over five years; CI -0.21,-0.03) and smaller mean difference in depression scores over time between those with and without anaemia (SMD 0.18 over five years; CI 0.05,0.30). Conclusion Anaemia in the very old is a common condition associated with worse functional ability, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health, and a more rapid decline in functional ability over time. The question remains as to whether anaemia itself contributes to worse outcomes or is simply a marker of chronic diseases and nutrient deficiencies.

scholarly journals EMOTIONS AND WELL-BEING IN LATER LIFE CHILDHOOD HAPPINESS, SELF-MASTERY, AND LATER-LIFE HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S576-S576
Author(s):  
Haena Lee ◽  
Markus H Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Self Rated Health

Abstract Considerable work has documented that positive childhood memories, especially childhood happiness, predict better health among young adults. However, it is not known whether growing up happy has enduring health consequences across the life course. Using two waves of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (2010-2011 and 2015-2016; N = 1,937), we investigate the relationship between childhood happiness and changes in physical, mental, and biological functioning in later life. Childhood happiness was retrospectively assessed using a question: “When I was growing up, my family life was always happy.” Self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and frailty over a five-year period were examined to reflect changes in functional status. Childhood SES and living arrangement were examined to assess childhood sociodemographic background. Educational attainment, family support and strain, and self-mastery were considered as potential mediators. We find that, among other childhood factors, childhood happiness significantly predicts older adult health. Specifically, childhood happiness was associated with better self-rated health and lower depressive symptoms at follow-up, net of baseline health conditions. We did not find a relationship between frailty and childhood happiness. Unlike prior work, we found no significant effect of childhood SES on the measured outcomes. Associations between childhood happiness and self-rated health and depression were mediated by psychosocial resources including self-mastery and perceived social support from family members. This implies that growing up in nurturing, cherished family environment has the potential to cultivate social relationships and build resilience which could provide an important pathway to successful aging.

Low sense of coherence during postoperative recovery is associated with a poorer lumbar spinal stenosis – surgical outcome: A 5-year follow-up study

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarit Pakarinen ◽  
Sanna Sinikallio ◽  
Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen ◽  
Timo Aalto ◽  
Olavi Airaksinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Postoperative Outcome ◽  
Postoperative Recovery ◽  
Pain Ratings ◽  
Lumbar Spinal

This study investigated the association between the 3-month postoperative sense of coherence and the 5-year postoperative outcome of decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. The participants with a lower sense of coherence at the 3-month follow-up had a poorer functional ability and lower satisfaction with surgery, higher pain ratings, lower life satisfaction and more depressive symptoms 5 years postoperatively. A low 3-month sense of coherence associated with greater pain and a poorer functional ability 5 years postoperatively. Evaluating sense of coherence and depressive symptoms in patients who have had lumbar spinal stenosis surgery may help in identifying those in need of enhanced support for postoperative recovery.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a school-based cognitive–behavioral depression prevention program

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pernilla Garmy ◽  
Eva K. Clausson ◽  
Agneta Berg ◽  
Katarina Steen Carlsson ◽  
Ulf Jakobsson
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Utility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Prevention ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
School Based

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and cost-utility of a school-based cognitive–behavioral (CB) depression prevention program. Methods: A quasi-experimental trial with an intervention group and a control group, with follow-up measurements obtained at three and 12 months after baseline, was conducted. The setting was six Swedish municipalities. The participants were students in grade 8 (median age: 14). A total of 462 students (79% girls) were allocated to the school-based CB prevention program, and 486 students (46% girls) were allocated to the control group. The school-based CB prevention program, Depression in Swedish Adolescents (DISA), was presented by school health service staff and teachers once per week for 10 weeks. Results: The main outcome measures were self-reported depressive symptoms and self-rated health; the secondary outcome measures were adherence and cost-utility. The intervention group decreased their self-reported depressive symptoms (as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and improved their self-rated health (as measured by the visual analog scale) at the 12-month follow-up more than the control group ( p < .05). Conclusions: Given the challenges of conducting a study in a complex, everyday school setting with baseline differences between the intervention and control group, it is difficult to make accurate interpretations of the effectiveness of the intervention. However, with these limitations in mind, the results indicate that the DISA program is a feasible school-based prevention program.

scholarly journals The Effects of Transitions in Caregiving and Changes in Social Participation on Old Adults’ Depressive Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 354-355
Author(s):  
Xinyi Zhao ◽  
Huiying Liu ◽  
Quan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Spousal Caregiving ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of transitioning into spousal caregiving, changes in social participation, and their interactions on depressive symptoms among community dwelling old adults over time. Methods: The samples included old adults who were non-caregivers at 2011 baseline of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and joined the follow-up surveys in 2013 and 2015. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to analyze the effects of caregiving transitions (transitioning into low-intensity or high-intensity caregivers versus the non-caregivers) and changes in social engagement on the depressive symptoms over time. Results: The results showed that old adults who transitioned into spousal caregiving over a 4-year period reported more depressive symptoms than those remained non-caregivers. Old adults who continued or increased social participation reported fewer depressive symptoms than those without social participation. Individuals who continued social participation during the transitions into high-intensity caregiving showed less severe elevated depressive symptoms than their counterparts who did not engage in social participation. Conclusion: The results highlighted that continuous social participation might be a protective factor for old adults against negative psychological outcomes during the transition to high-intensive caregiving.

scholarly journals Social Capital and Health in the Oldest Old

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrica Nyqvist ◽  
Janna Gustavsson ◽  
Yngve Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Structural Social Capital

The aim of this study was to measure social capital in the oldest old, and its association with different dimensions of health. The Umeå 85+ study is a cross-sectional study of 253 people, aged 85 years, 90 years and 95 years or older. A principal component factor analysis was performed to assess classes of information measuring the structural and the cognitive components of social capital on an individual level. In the final model, one factor consisting of attachment, social integration and social network emerged which accounted for 55 per cent of the total variance. We analysed the association between structural social capital and various dimensions of health such as depressive symptoms, functional ability and self-rated health. This study suggests that structural social capital may partially explain depressive symptoms but not functional ability or self-rated health. We conclude that social capital is a relevant resource for the oldest old, but we suggest a different approach when measuring social capital in this age group, such as conducting a longitudinal study or including retrospective questions in the study. The oldest old may have had a high level of social capital, but our study could not identify this statistically.

scholarly journals HEALTH PROMOTION FOR PEOPLE WITH EARLY-STAGE DEMENTIA: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S942-S943
Author(s):  
Ingelin Testad ◽  
Martine Kajander ◽  
Anne Torsvik Henriksen ◽  
Målfrid Meling ◽  
Vigdis Vagle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract With the limited advancements in medical treatment, there is a growing emphasis on supporting people with early-stage dementia adjusting to their diagnosis and improve their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and experiences of people with early-stage dementia attending a 12-week Health Promotion, consisting of 2-hour sessions at weekly intervals focusing on understanding the progression of dementia, promoting physical activity, nutrition, coping, relationships, home- and travel safety, medication and communication with health care providers. Quantitative and qualitative assessments were conducted at baseline and follow-up 1-2 months post intervention, including cognition, self-rated health and depressive symptoms and individual short interviews. A total of 90 persons with dementia participated in this study. The results demonstrated a stable cognitive function, measured by Mini Mental State Examination, of people with dementia during the 4 month follow-up, and a significant improvement in self-rated health measured by EQ VAS (95% CI 0.2 to 7.6, p=0.037). Depressive symptoms measured by Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, demonstrated a decline by one point, which is an improvement in depressive symptoms, although not significant. 32 of the 90 qualitative interviews with participants and their carers were included and analyzed with systematic text condensation. The results demonstrated that the intervention was well received by the participants, learning about dementia, practical strategies and focusing on remaining resources was particularly highlighted as well as improved family communication. In conclusion, the intervention had beneficial effects on the cognitive function, self-rated health and depressive symptoms of people with dementia.

scholarly journals Combined health risks of cigarette smoking and low levels of physical activity: a prospective cohort study in England with 12-year follow-up

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e032852
Author(s):  
Sarah E Jackson ◽  
Jamie Brown ◽  
Michael Ussher ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Additive Effects ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Low Levels

ObjectivesTo (1) estimate the combined risks of cigarette smoking and physical inactivity for chronic disease, disability and depressive symptoms and (2) determine whether risks associated with these behaviours are additive or synergistic.Design and settingLongitudinal observational population study using data from Waves 2 (2004/2005) through 8 (2016/2017) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults in England.Participants6425 men and women aged ≥52 years (mean (SD) 65.88 (9.34) years) at baseline.Main outcome measuresSmoking status (never, former, current) and level of physical activity (high, defined as moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) more than once a week; low, defined as MVPA once a week or less) were self-reported at Wave 2 baseline. Self-rated health, limiting long-standing illness, chronic conditions (coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, cancer, chronic lung disease) and depressive symptoms were reported in each biennial wave.ResultsBoth smoking and low levels of physical activity were associated with increased risk of incident health problems over the 12-year follow-up period. Current smokers with low levels of physical activity had especially high risks of developing fair/poor self-rated health, CHD, stroke, cancer and chronic lung disease compared with highly active never smokers (adjusted relative risk range 1.89–14.00). While additive effects were evident, tests of multiplicative interactions revealed no evidence of large synergistic effects of smoking and low physical activity (Bayes factor range 0.04–0.61), although data were insensitive to detect smaller effects.ConclusionsAmong older adults in England, there was no evidence of large synergistic effects of smoking and low levels of physical activity on risk of developing chronic disease or depressive symptoms over 12 years. However, additive effects of smoking and low levels of physical activity were evident, underscoring the importance of each of these lifestyle risk behaviours for disease onset.

Cathartic Effect of Suicide Attempts Not Limited to Depression

Crisis ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Sarfati ◽  
Blandine Bouchaud ◽  
Marie-Christine Hardy-Baylé
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Short Term

Summary: The cathartic effect of suicide is traditionally defined as the existence of a rapid, significant, and spontaneous decrease in the depressive symptoms of suicide attempters after the act. This study was designed to investigate short-term variations, following a suicide attempt by self-poisoning, of a number of other variables identified as suicidal risk factors: hopelessness, impulsivity, personality traits, and quality of life. Patients hospitalized less than 24 hours after a deliberate (moderate) overdose were presented with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression and Impulsivity Rating Scales, Hopelessness scale, MMPI and World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire (abbreviated versions). They were also asked to complete the same scales and questionnaires 8 days after discharge. The study involved 39 patients, the average interval between initial and follow-up assessment being 13.5 days. All the scores improved significantly, with the exception of quality of life and three out of the eight personality traits. This finding emphasizes the fact that improvement is not limited to depressive symptoms and enables us to identify the relative importance of each studied variable as a risk factor for attempted suicide. The limitations of the study are discussed as well as in particular the nongeneralizability of the sample and setting.

Sex Differences in Childhood Associations between DNA Markers and General Cognitive Ability

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind Arden ◽  
Nicole Harlaar ◽  
Robert Plomin
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Dna Markers ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
General Cognitive Ability ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
The Difference

Abstract. An association between intelligence at age 7 and a set of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been identified and replicated. We used this composite SNP set to investigate whether the associations differ between boys and girls for general cognitive ability at ages 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10 years. In a longitudinal community sample of British twins aged 2-10 (n > 4,000 individuals), we found that the SNP set is more strongly associated with intelligence in males than in females at ages 7, 9, and 10 and the difference is significant at 10. If this finding replicates in other studies, these results will constitute the first evidence of the same autosomal genes acting differently on intelligence in the two sexes.

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