scholarly journals Evaluating the Consistency of Subjective Activity Assessments and Their Relation to Cognition in Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Cassandra R. Hatt ◽  
Christopher R. Brydges ◽  
Jacqueline A. Mogle ◽  
Martin J. Sliwinski ◽  
Allison A. M. Bielak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Related Information

(1) Background: Research examining whether activity engagement is related to cognitive functioning in older adults has been limited to using retrospective reports of activity which may be affected by biases. This study compared two measurements (estimated weekly versus reported daily), and whether these activity assessments were related to cognition in older adults; (2) Methods: Participants from US (n = 199) and Australian (n = 170) samples completed a weekly estimate of activity, followed by 7 consecutive days of daily reporting. Differences between weekly estimates and daily reports were found, such that estimations at the weekly level were lower than self-reported daily information. Multivariate multiple regression was used to determine whether total activity, activity domains and the discrepancy between assessment types (i.e., weekly/daily) predicted cognitive performance across three cognitive domains (fluid, verbal, memory); (3) Results: Neither assessment of total activity When activity assessments were totaled, neither predicted cognition; however, when activity was grouped by domain (cognitive, social, physical), different domains predicted different cognitive outcomes. Daily reported cognitive activity significantly predicted verbal performance (β = 1.63, p = 0.005), while weekly estimated social activity predicted memory performance (β = −1.81, p = 0.050). Further, while the magnitude of discrepancy in total activity did not significantly predict cognitive performance, domain specific differences did. Differences in physical activity reported across assessments predicted fluid performance (β = −1.16, p = 0.033); (4) Conclusions: Recognizing these apparent differences is important to account for potential response bias and future research should consider using multiple types of assessments and utilize different tools to collect activity-related information.

Research … How Fun Is That? Interesting Questions Relative to the Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
North American Society ◽  
National Meeting ◽  
The North ◽  
American Society

In developing a senior lecture for the 2014 national meeting of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, I had the opportunity to reflect upon a career of research and to focus on three interesting questions that my colleagues and I have attempted to address. These questions have led to several studies that all revolve around identifying ways to increase the effects of exercise on cognitive performance. In particular, the questions examine the possibility of increasing effects by focusing on particular populations (e.g., older adults, children) and by increasing our understanding of dose-response relationships between exercise parameters (e.g., intensity, duration) and cognitive outcomes. I present empirical evidence relative to each of these questions and provide directions for future research on physical activity and cognitive functioning.

scholarly journals Behavioral Factors Related to the Incidence of Frailty in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3074
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Shimada ◽  
Takehiko Doi ◽  
Kota Tsutsumimoto ◽  
Sangyoon Lee ◽  
Seongryu Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Productive Activity ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Behavioral Factors ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Age Related

Frailty is a widely prevalent geriatric condition whereby individuals experience age-related functional declines. This study aimed to identify behavioral factors related to the incidence of frailty in older adults. Participants were 2631 older adults (average age: 71) without physical frailty at a baseline assessment in 2011–2012 who took part in a second-wave assessment in 2015–2016. Physical frailty was defined as having limitations in at least three of the following domains: weight loss, low physical activity, exhaustion, slow walking speed, and muscle weakness. Participants completed a 16-item questionnaire examining cognitive, social, and productive activity as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) as varying dimensions of lifestyle activity. During the follow-up period, 172 participants (6.5%) converted from nonfrail to frail. Logistic regression showed that the odds ratios (ORs) for conversion were significantly lower in the participants who had high IADL scores (OR: 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–0.96), cognitive activity (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.62–0.89), social activity (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.43–0.63), and total activity (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.75–0.87). There was no significant association between frailty and productive activity. Health care providers should recommend an active lifestyle to prevent frailty in older adults.

The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Memory and Cognition in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110297
Author(s):  
Graham J. McDougall ◽  
Todd B. Monroe ◽  
Keenan A. Pituch ◽  
Michael A. Carter ◽  
Laurie Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Bivariate Correlation ◽  
The Impact

Cultural stereotypes that equate aging with decreased competence and increased forgetfulness have persisted for decades. Stereotype threat (ST) refers to the psychological discomfort people experience when confronted by a negative, self-relevant stereotype in a situation where their behavior could be construed as confirming that belief. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of ST on memory performance in older adults over 24 months. The ST levels on average significantly declined, or improved in the memory training, but not the health training group. Although not significant at the .01 level, the bivariate correlation indicated that change in ST was moderately related to change in verbal memory, suggesting the possibility that improvements (or reductions) in ST may be related to increases in verbal memory scores. We discovered that the unique contribution of ST into the memory performance of healthy older adults offers a possible malleable trait.

scholarly journals Long-Term Effects on Loneliness of a Computer-Tailored Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110150
Author(s):  
Janet M. Boekhout ◽  
Esmee Volders ◽  
Catherine A. W. Bolman ◽  
Renate H. M. de Groot ◽  
Lilian Lechner
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Social Loneliness

Objectives: This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed (N = 585; age: M = 74.5 years, SD = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. Results: At 12 months, significant decreases in total ( B = −.37, p = .01) and social loneliness ( B = −.24, p = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. Discussion: The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.

The Power of Perception: Beliefs About Memory Ability Uniquely Contribute to Memory Performance and Quality of Life in Adults Aging with Traumatic Brain Injury

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh M. Venkatesan ◽  
Amanda Rabinowitz ◽  
Frank Hillary
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Health Related

Objective. Personal beliefs about memory ability, which comprise memory self-efficacy (MSE), can influence memory performance in healthy older adults. Self-efficacy theory also predicts that MSE biases self-perceptions of functioning more globally, potentially impacting daily activity beyond cognitive performance. People with traumatic brain injury (PwTBI) frequently report debilitating memory problems long after acute recovery, but little is known about how MSE affects health outcomes in this population. We examined demographic and clinical correlates of MSE, as well as its relationship to memory test performance and health-related quality of life (QOL), in older adults with chronic moderate-to-severe TBI (msTBI). Method. One hundred fourteen adults, aged 50+ and at least one year post-msTBI, underwent neuropsychological testing to assess their memory functioning. Participants also self-reported levels of psychological distress, MSE (Cognitive Confidence subscale of the Metacognitions Questionnaire), and health-related QOL (Quality of Life after Brain Injury questionnaire). Results. Demographic and injury-related predictors showed weak correlations with MSE. Although the relationship between MSE and general psychological distress was robust, only the former significantly predicted memory performance. Bivariate analyses revealed significant relationships between MSE and five out of the six QOL domains assessed. Multivariate linear regression revealed a significant impact of MSE on overall QOL independent of demographic and clinical variables. Conclusions. Our findings support a unique role for MSE in both objective cognitive performance and subjective health of PwTBI. Increased focus on self-perceptions of ability and their impact on measured outcomes is an important step towards personalized rehabilitation for adults with chronic msTBI.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, EXERCISE, AND AMYLOID BURDEN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S610-S610
Author(s):  
Amber Watts ◽  
Eric Vidoni ◽  
Jill Morris ◽  
Mark Perry ◽  
David Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Pet Imaging ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Abstract Exercise is a promising strategy for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid neuroimaging can identify individuals at risk of developing AD prior to displaying symptoms. We screened adults (65+) with Florbetapir PET imaging and a comprehensive cognitive battery. We randomized 117 participants with normal cognition into a 52-week aerobic exercise program to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance. We compared an intensive exercise treatment group to a standard of care control group. Cognition was assessed at baseline, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks in the domains of verbal memory, visuospatial processing, attention, and executive function. Interim results on 87 participants show cardiorespiratory fitness improved in the exercise group vs. control group (t=3.66(81), p< .001). The degree of change in cardiorespiratory fitness did not differ between those with and without elevated amyloid (t=-0.37(81), p=.710). Greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness predicted better performance on cognitive tests including trailmaking test, Stroop test, and digit symbol substitution test, which did not differ by amyloid status. Elevated amyloid levels predicted lower cognitive scores in logical memory, space relations, and identical pictures test. Our findings suggest PET imaging is a valid marker of cognitive performance in non-impaired older adults, and that this pre-clinical amyloid status did not reduce the cognitive benefits of exercise for those who improved in cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise interventions hold promise for cognitive maintenance among pre-symptomatic older adults with elevated amyloid levels. Finally, results highlight the importance of evaluating multiple cognitive domains which are associated differently with exercise and amyloid status.

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Cognition

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

There is substantial interest in identifying the behavioral means by which to improve cognitive performance. Recent research and commercial ventures have focused on cognitive training interventions, but evidence suggests that the effects of these programs are small and task-specific. Researchers have also shown interest in exploring the potential benefits of physical activity for cognitive performance. Because the effects of physical activity have been found to be small to moderate and to be more global in nature, interest in physical activity has been growing over the past several decades. Evidence regarding the efficacy of physical activity is provided through cross-sectional studies, longitudinal prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. When reviewed meta-analytically, small-to-moderate beneficial effects are reported for children, adults, older adults, and cognitively impaired older adults, and these effects are evident for a wide range of cognitive domains, including executive function, memory, and information processing. Researchers are currently focused on identifying the mechanisms of these effects. Most of this research has been conducted using animal models, but there is a growing body of literature with humans. From this evidence, there is support for the role of changes in cerebral structure, hippocampal perfusion, and growth factors in explaining the observed benefits. Thus far, however, the literature is quite sparse, and future research is needed to clarify our understanding of the mechanisms that provide the causal link between physical activity and cognitive performance. Research is also focused on understanding how to increase the benefits by potentially combining cognitive training with physical activity and by identifying the genetic moderators of the effects. These lines of work are designed to elucidate ways of increasing the magnitude of the benefits that can be obtained. At this point in time, the evidence with respect to the potential of physical activity for benefiting cognitive performance is quite promising, but it is critical that funding agencies commit their support to the continued exploration necessary to allow us to ultimately be able to prescribe physical activity to specific individuals with the express purpose of improving cognition.

scholarly journals The Relation Between Cognitive Performance and Symptom Factors Following Concussion

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 764-764
Author(s):  
E Whitley ◽  
R Gerkin ◽  
A Kontos ◽  
C Quintana ◽  
B Nalepa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Symptom Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore if symptom factors are related to cognitive outcomes. Prior studies have examined the relationship of individual symptoms to cognition. However, the relation between empirically-derived symptom factors and cognitive outcomes has yet to be explored. Methods Data were extracted via retrospective chart review of 691 patients (aged 10–24, mean: 14.99±2.63). Participants completed ImPACT and the PCSS within 14 days of injury (mean: 9.27±3.37). Predictors were PCSS factor scores of Cognitive-Fatigue-Migraine (CFM), Affective (AFF), Somatic (SOM), and Sleep (SLP) (Kontos et al., 2012). Outcomes examined were ImPACT composite scores. Univariate analyses were performed and values with p < 0.10 were entered into stepwise linear regression (LR) models. Retained predictors in each LR model had p values <.05. Results Verbal memory was predicted by CFM, SOM, age, and gender. Visual memory was predicted by CFM and SOM. Visual motor speed was predicted by age, gender, CFM, SOM, and AFF. Reaction time was best predicted by SOM, CFM, and age. The variance explained was fairly small (0.08 to 0.21). SLP was not a significant predictor in any LR. Conclusion CFM and SOM factors were most predictive of lower cognitive performance, similar to prior studies linking dizziness to longer recovery and post-traumatic migraine to worse cognitive performance. These findings underscore the clinical importance of diverse symptom assessment and injury education. Higher CFM and SOM scores may also serve as proxy for injury severity, which we would expect to be associated with worse cognitive performance.

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