@article {12150, title = {Associations between social network components and cognitive domains in older adults.}, journal = {Psychology \& Aging}, volume = {37}, year = {2022}, pages = {591-603}, abstract = {

Previous research shows that social network components are associated with cognitive function later in life. However, fewer studies consider different cognitive domains or disaggregate the social network by relationship type. Using data from 2,553 participants aged 65 or older in the Health and Retirement Study{\textquoteright}s Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol, this study examined relationships between social network structure (i.e., size, contact frequency) and quality (i.e., support, strain) and performance in five cognitive domains (i.e., episodic memory, executive function, visuoconstruction, language, and processing speed) 2-4 years later, controlling for sociodemographics and previous global cognition. Separate linear regressions were conducted for each cognitive outcome. When averaged across relationship types, network size was not associated with any domain. Contact frequency was positively associated with all domains except episodic memory. Support and strain were negatively associated with all cognitive domains. When considering individual relationship types, larger friend networks were positively associated with visuoconstruction, and greater contact frequency with friends was positively associated with all cognitive domains. Larger family networks were associated with worse executive function, visuoconstruction, and speed. Strain from friends had a negative relationship with every domain except episodic memory. Support from family was negatively associated with episodic memory, executive function, and language. These associations were equivalent to one to 3.5 years of cognitive aging. These results showed that both social network structure and quality may be consequential for cognitive functioning and that links between social relations and cognition differ across domains and as a function of relationship type. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

}, keywords = {Cognition, social network}, issn = {1939-1498}, doi = {10.1037/pag0000672}, author = {Lindsey Meister and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {12039, title = {Effects of Stress Exposure Versus Appraisal on Episodic Memory Trajectories: Evidence for Risk and Resilience among Black Older Adults.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {77}, year = {2022}, pages = {2148-2155}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: Chronic stressors, experienced disproportionately by Black older adults, are a risk factor for memory impairment. Racially patterned stress exposure may contribute to higher rates of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias (ADRD) among Black older adults compared with Whites, but less is known about the role of stress appraisal. This study examined whether chronic stress exposure mediates racial disparities in memory and whether stress appraisal moderates these associations.

METHODS: Participants included 16,924 older adults (Mage= 67.39, 21\% Black) from the 2010 and 2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study who completed measures of chronic stress exposure (health, financial, housing, relationships, and caregiving) and appraisal. Latent growth curves modeled longitudinal performance on a word list memory task over six years.

RESULTS: Black older adults reported greater stress exposure than Whites, and greater stress exposure partially mediated Black-White disparities in initial memory (standardized indirect effect=-.002, p=.009). However, Black older adults appraised stressors as less upsetting than Whites. While stress appraisal did not moderate links between stress exposure and memory, appraising stressors as less upsetting was independently associated with better initial memory. Thus, Black-White disparities in initial memory was partially offset by Blacks participants{\textquoteright} appraisal of stressors as less upsetting (standardized indirect effect=.002, p=.016).

DISCUSSION: Reducing chronic stress exposure may reduce racial disparities in ADRD risk. The counteractive effect of stress appraisal on Black-White disparities in episodic memory highlights resilience factors among Black older adults that should be characterized in future research to move beyond deficit models of ADRD inequality.

}, keywords = {Black/African American, Episodic Memory, Racial differences, stress appraisa}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbab225}, author = {Morris, Emily P and Lauren L Brown and Afsara B. Zaheed and Palms, Jordan D and Sol, Ketlyne and Martino, Alexa and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {11361, title = {Older Workers with Physically Demanding Jobs and their Cognitive Functioning.}, journal = {Ageing International}, volume = {47}, year = {2022}, pages = {55-71}, abstract = {

Although employment can provide older people with both financial and nonfinancial rewards, it is questionable whether those benefits extend to all older workers, particularly those with physically demanding jobs. This study aimed to examine whether the perceived level of physical demands placed on older workers 55 or older is significantly associated with their cognitive function. Using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2010 wave, we analyzed two domains of cognition: verbal episodic memory and reasoning. After controlling for demographics and risk factors for age-related cognitive deterioration, the perceived level of physical demands placed on older workers was still significantly and negatively linked with both memory and reasoning domains of cognition. Older workers with more physically demanding jobs tended to have poorer cognitive function. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12126-020-09404-8.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Employment, Older workers, Physically demanding jobs, productive aging}, issn = {0163-5158}, doi = {10.1007/s12126-020-09404-8}, author = {Choi, Eunhee and Kim, Sung-Geun and Laura B Zahodne and Steven M. Albert} } @article {12460, title = {The Role of Race-Gender Intersectionality in Associations between Insomnia Patterns and Late-Life Memory Trajectories}, journal = {Sleep}, volume = {45}, year = {2022}, pages = {A150{\textendash}A151}, abstract = {Introduction Difficulty initiating sleep (DIS) may be a stronger predictor of neurodegenerative risk than other insomnia symptoms. This study examined whether longitudinal patterns of DIS are associated with subsequent memory trajectories, and whether associations differ across non-Hispanic Black and White men and women. Methods 12,565 participants in the Health and Retirement Study (Mage=67.8{\textpm}9.1, 59.1\% women) who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black (14.5\%) or non-Hispanic White were included. DIS ({\textquotedblleft}How often do you have trouble falling asleep?{\textquotedblright}) at three biennial waves (2002-2006) was dichotomized ({\textquotedblleft}never/rarely/sometimes{\textquotedblright}=0, {\textquotedblleft}often{\textquotedblright}=1). Participants were categorized into three mutually exclusive groups: low (reference group), persistent, and variable DIS. Episodic memory was assessed using a 10-item word list recall test at five biennial waves (2008-2016). Latent growth curves modeled associations between DIS patterns and subsequent memory level and change, adjusting for sociodemographics (model 1), health conditions (model 2), and depressive symptoms (model 3) in 2002. Stratified models compared associations across White men, Black men, White women, and Black women. Results Compared to low DIS, persistent (β=-0.03, p<.001) or variable (β=-0.07, p<.001) DIS was associated with worse subsequent memory in models 1 and 2. The effect of variable (β=-0.05, p<.001), but not persistent (β=-0.01, p=.271), DIS remained in model 3. Persistent DIS was most prevalent among White women (5.4\% vs. 2.4-4\%), and variable DIS was most prevalent among Black women (24.1\% vs. 14-22.2\%). Persistent DIS was only significantly associated with memory among White women (β=-0.04, p=.003 vs. β=-0.04, p=.324 for Black Men; β=-0.03, p=.087 for White men; and β=0.01, p=.859 for Black women). Variable DIS was most strongly associated with memory among Black men (β=-0.141, p=.003), followed by White men (β=-0.09, p<.001), White women (β=-0.06, p<.001) and Black women (β=-0.06, p=.064). There were no associations between DIS patterns and memory change. Conclusion While links between persistent DIS and subsequent memory may reflect negative cognitive effects of depression, variable DIS may presage worse memory above and beyond depression. Race/gender differences in the prevalence and predictive value of DIS patterns for subsequent cognitive function highlight the value of an intersectional lens. Gender disparities in DIS may be more prominent than racial disparities.}, keywords = {depressive disorders, gender, insomnia, Latinos/Hispanics, Memory, Mental Recall, Racial Disparities, Sleep}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsac079.332}, author = {Zaheed, Afsara and Ronald D Chervin and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {11711, title = {Associations between life course marital biography and late-life memory decline.}, journal = {Psychology and Aging Publisher}, volume = {36}, year = {2021}, pages = {557-571}, abstract = {

Late-life marital status is associated with cognitive aging; however, the influence of life course marital biography (i.e., changes in marital status) on late-life cognitive trajectories, as well as gender differences in the effects of marital biography, remain to be explored. Associations between (a) marital status at study baseline (currently married, previously married, never married) and (b) retrospectively reported life course marital biography (i.e., age at first marriage, time spent unmarried following initial marriage, history of divorce, history of widowhood) and up to 20 years of subsequent episodic memory trajectories were examined using latent growth curve models in 3,061 participants aged 51 + in the Health and Retirement Study 2017 Life History Mail Survey. Gender differences were examined with multiplicative interaction terms and stratified models. Participants who were married at study baseline demonstrated higher initial memory than previously and never married individuals. Older age at first marriage and shorter duration spent unmarried were each associated with better initial episodic memory among previously married individuals only; longer duration spent unmarried was associated with slower memory decline. Stratified models suggested that these associations may be driven by women. These results highlight the importance of considering multiple aspects of marital biography, not just current marital status, in cognitive aging research. Marital biography may have an enduring influence on cognitive aging, particularly among previously married older women. Future work is needed to identify mechanisms (e.g., socioeconomic resources, cognitive stimulation, self and spousal health, emotional support) through which marital histories influence cognitive aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

}, keywords = {cognitive aging, life course, Marital Status}, issn = {1939-1498}, doi = {10.1037/pag0000617}, author = {Afsara B. Zaheed and Sharifian, Neika and Morris, Emily P and A Zarina Kraal and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {11606, title = {Insomnia Symptoms and Subsequent Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Are Depressive Symptoms and Vascular Disease Mediators?}, journal = {Sleep}, volume = {44}, year = {2021}, pages = {A212 - A212}, abstract = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are growing public health concerns, and poor sleep may represent a modifiable risk factor. However, there is limited research on insomnia as a predictor of subsequent performance in different cognitive domains and mechanisms that might underlie domain-specific associations. The current study examined: (1) which insomnia symptoms predicted performance across five cognitive domains 14 years later, and (2) whether depressive symptoms and/or vascular diseases mediated these associations.Participants included 2,496 adults aged 51+ in the Health and Retirement Study. Insomnia symptoms in 2002 (i.e., {\textquotedblleft}baseline{\textquotedblright}) were quantified by four self-reported items on frequency of trouble falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, early awakenings, and feeling rested upon awakening. Cognition was assessed in 2016 as part of the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol and operationalized with five factor scores corresponding to episodic memory, executive function, language, visuoconstruction, and processing speed. Multiple regressions examined associations between baseline insomnia symptoms and subsequent cognitive performance, controlling for sociodemographics and baseline global cognitive performance. Mediation models tested whether associations were explained by self-reported depressive symptoms and/or vascular diseases (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and/or stroke) in 2014, controlling for baseline values.Only trouble falling asleep in 2002 was associated with cognition in 2016. Specifically, more frequent trouble falling asleep predicted poorer episodic memory, executive function, language and processing speed performance, but not visuoconstruction. These associations were mediated by depressive symptoms and vascular diseases in 2014 for all domains except episodic memory; only depressive symptoms mediated the association involving memory. After accounting for these mediators, direct effects of trouble falling asleep remained for episodic memory, executive function and language, but not processing speed.Difficulty with sleep initiation may be more consequential for later-life cognition than other insomnia symptoms. Depressive symptoms and vascular diseases may partially drive these associations. We speculate that sleep-onset insomnia could mean less total sleep, immune dysfunction, or endocrine effects that worsen mood, vascular health, and cognition. Remaining associations indicate that additional research is needed to characterize other mechanisms through which sleep initiation problems could contribute to later impairments in frontal and temporal cognitive systems, which are implicated early in ADRD.Support (if any):}, keywords = {Cognition, Depressive symptoms, insomnia, vascular disease}, isbn = {0161-8105}, doi = {10.1093/sleep/zsab072.535}, author = {Afsara B. Zaheed and Adam P Spira and Ronald D Chervin and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {11110, title = {Physical Activity in Early- and Mid-Adulthood are Associated with Longitudinal Memory Trajectories in Later-Life.}, journal = {Journal of Gerontology: Series A }, volume = {76}, year = {2021}, pages = {1495-1503}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) in later-life may reduce dementia risk, but little is known regarding long-term cognitive effects of PA that occurred earlier in adulthood or mechanisms underlying associations. PA patterns at different ages may independently contribute to dementia risk, which would implicate multiple critical periods for intervention. The current study tested whether retrospective reports of PA in early- and mid-adulthood were independently associated with later-life longitudinal memory outcomes and whether associations were mediated by late-life cardiometabolic diseases.

METHODS: Participants comprised 5,200 Health and Retirement Study Life History Mail Survey respondents. Latent growth curves estimated independent associations between retrospectively reported PA in early-adulthood (age 18-29) and mid-adulthood (age 40-49) and 16-year episodic memory trajectories. Indirect pathways involving the maintenance of PA from early- to mid-adulthood and the influence of PA on later-life cardiometabolic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease) were also estimated.

RESULTS: PA in early- and mid-adulthood independently predicted higher initial memory level and slower memory decline in later-life, respectively. Early-adulthood PA was indirectly associated with later-life memory level through higher mid-adulthood PA and lower rates of later-life hypertension, as well as with subsequent memory decline through higher mid-adulthood PA.

CONCLUSIONS: The current findings highlight the importance of PA throughout adulthood, such that initiating and/or maintaining exercise in early- or mid-adulthood may be protective for later-life cognitive health, and hypertension appears to represent a key mediator of these effects.

}, keywords = {cognitive aging, Exercise, Hypertension, Resilience}, issn = {1758-535X}, doi = {10.1093/gerona/glaa252}, author = {A Zarina Kraal and Dotterer, Hailey L and Sharifian, Neika and Morris, Emily P and Sol, Ketlyne and Zaheed, Afara B and Jacqui Smith and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {11640, title = {Subjective age, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functioning across five domains.}, journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology}, volume = {43}, year = {2021}, pages = {310-323}, abstract = {

: Younger subjective age predicts better episodic memory and executive functioning performance independent of chronological age. This study examined whether subjective age is associated with performance in five cognitive domains, quantified the extent to which these relationships are mediated by depressive symptoms, and tested whether these associations are moderated by chronological age. Participants in this cross-sectional study included 993 adults aged 65 and older from the Health and Retirement Study{\textquoteright}s 2016 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Moderated mediation models estimated direct and indirect effects of subjective age on factor scores representing episodic memory, executive functioning, language, visuoconstruction, and speed through depressive symptoms and tested whether associations differed according to chronological age. Depressive symptoms explained 21-32\% of the associations between subjective age and language, speed, episodic memory, and executive functioning. Chronological age moderated the indirect effect involving language, such that depressive symptoms were more strongly related to worse language performance at older chronological ages. After accounting for indirect effects, direct effects of younger subjective age remained for language and speed domains. This study extends research on the cognitive correlates of subjective age and demonstrates that depressive symptoms partly mediate these relationships. Subjective age may bemost strongly associated with language among individuals at older chronological ages not because they are more sensitive to the negative mental health impact of feeling older than they are but because they may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of depressive symptoms on language ability. Additional longitudinal research is needed to determine whether links between subjective age and cognition are causal versus predictive.

}, keywords = {Cognition, cognitive aging, Depressive symptoms, HCAP, Subjective age}, issn = {1744-411X}, doi = {10.1080/13803395.2021.1926436}, author = {Morris, Emily P and Afsara B. Zaheed and Sharifian, Neika and Sol, Ketlyne and A Zarina Kraal and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {10970, title = {Everyday discrimination and subsequent cognitive abilities across five domains.}, journal = {Neuropsychology}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: Previous research suggests that everyday discrimination is associated with worse concomitant performance in several cognitive domains, as well as faster subsequent declines in episodic memory. This study aimed to extend knowledge on the specificity, durability, and mechanisms of associations between everyday discrimination and cognition by using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and a longitudinal mediation design.

METHOD: Participants included 3,304 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Discrimination was assessed using the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 8-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Vascular diseases were quantified as the self-reported presence of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to estimate episodic memory, executive functioning, processing speed, language, and visuoconstruction across a battery of 13 neuropsychological tests. Structural equation models controlled for sociodemographics and baseline cognition ascertained 2 to 4 years prior.

RESULTS: Discrimination was associated with more depressive symptoms and vascular diseases. Depressive symptoms mediated negative effects of discrimination on subsequent functioning across all 5 cognitive domains. Vascular diseases additionally mediated negative effects of discrimination on processing speed. After accounting for mediators, direct negative effects of discrimination remained for executive functioning and visuoconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS: This national longitudinal study in the United States provides evidence for broad and enduring effects of everyday discrimination on cognitive aging, which appear to be partially mediated by mental and physical health. Future research should examine additional mechanisms as well as moderators of these associations to better understand points of intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

}, keywords = {Depressive symptoms, Discrimination, HCAP, vascular diseases}, issn = {1931-1559}, doi = {10.1037/neu0000693}, author = {Laura B Zahodne and Morris, Emily P and Sharifian, Neika and Afsara B. Zaheed and A Zarina Kraal and Sol, Ketlyne} } @article {10926, title = {Interactive Effects of Chronic Health Conditions And Financial Hardship On Episodic Memory Among Older Blacks: Findings From The Health And Retirement Study}, journal = {Research in Human Development}, volume = {17}, year = {2020}, month = {2020/01/02}, pages = {41 - 56}, abstract = {Previous research links chronic health conditions and financial hardship to cognitive outcomes among older Blacks. However, few studies have explored the moderating effect of financial hardship on chronic disease burden and specific cognitive domains. This study examined whether financial hardship (as measured by difficulty paying monthly bills) modifies the impact of self-reported chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, stroke) on episodic memory among 871 older Blacks (50+ years) in the 2006 Health and Retirement Study . Financial hardship modified the association between chronic disease burden and episodic memory performance such that individuals who reported very little difficulty paying their monthly bills had significantly lower memory scores at high levels of disease burden compared to those reporting high financial difficulty after controlling for age, gender and education (F 2, 49 = 5.03, p = .010). This cross-sectional study suggests that both financial and physical wellbeing may have joint effects on cognitive health in older Blacks.}, keywords = {Chronic disease, Cognition, Financial hardship}, isbn = {1542-7609}, doi = {10.1080/15427609.2020.1746159}, author = {Byrd, DeAnnah R. and Gonzales, Ernest and Beatty Moody, Danielle L. and Gillian L Marshall and Laura B Zahodne and Roland J. Thorpe Jr. and Keith E Whitfield} } @article {10155, title = {Multimorbidity and cognitive decline over 14 years in older Americans.}, journal = {Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences \& Medical Sciences}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity is associated with greater disability and accelerated declines in physical functioning over time in older adults. However, less is known about its effect on cognitive decline.

METHODS: Participants without dementia from the Health and Retirement Study were interviewed about physician-diagnosed conditions, from which their multimorbidity-weighted index (MWI) that weights diseases to physical functioning was computed. We used linear mixed-effects models to examine the predictor MWI with the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICSm, global cognition), 10-word immediate recall and delayed recall, and serial 7s outcomes biennially after adjusting for baseline cognition and covariates.

RESULTS: 14,265 participants, 60\% female, contributed 73,700 observations. Participants had a meanSD age 679.3 years and MWI 4.43.9 at baseline. Each point increase in MWI was associated with declines in global cognition (0.04, 95\%CI: 0.03-0.04 TICSm), immediate recall (0.01, 95\%CI: 0.01-0.02 words), delayed recall (0.01, 95\%CI: 0.01-0.02 words), and working memory (0.01, 95\%CI: 0.01-0.02 serial 7s) (all P<0.001). Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in global cognition (0.003 points/year faster, 95\%CI: 0.002-0.004), immediate recall (0.001 words/year faster, 95\%CI: 0.001-0.002), and working memory (0.006 incorrect serial 7s/year faster, 95\%CI: 0.004-0.009) (all P<0.001), but not delayed recall compared with premorbid slopes.

CONCLUSIONS: Multimorbidity using a validated index weighted to physical functioning was associated with acute decline in cognition and accelerated and persistent cognitive decline over 14 years. This study supports an ongoing geriatric syndrome of coexisting physical and cognitive impairment in adults with multimorbidity. Clinicians should monitor and address both domains in older multimorbid adults.

}, keywords = {Cognitive Ability, Comorbidity, Longitudinal data}, issn = {1758-535X}, doi = {10.1093/gerona/glz147}, author = {Melissa Y Wei and Deborah A Levine and Laura B Zahodne and Mohammed U Kabeto and Kenneth M. Langa} } @article {10856, title = {Psychological distress links perceived neighborhood characteristics to longitudinal trajectories of cognitive health in older adulthood}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine}, volume = {258}, year = {2020}, abstract = {RationalePerceived neighborhood characteristics have been linked to cognitive health in older adulthood. The pathways through which neighborhood characteristics could influence cognition in older adulthood, however, have not been fully explored. Poorer quality neighborhoods may negatively influence cognition through feelings of psychological distress.ObjectiveTo examine whether perceived neighborhood physical disorder and social cohesion were associated with change in episodic memory and semantic verbal fluency through anxiety and depressive symptoms.MethodsUsing the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 13,919), mediation models were conducted. Change in cognition (episodic memory and semantic verbal fluency) were modeled using latent growth curve models.ResultsHigher physical disorder was associated with worse initial episodic memory and verbal fluency through greater anxiety symptoms. Higher social cohesion was associated with better initial episodic memory and verbal fluency through both lower anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms. Further, individuals with higher social. cohesion reported lower anxiety and in turn, showed a slower rate of verbal fluency decline. A direct effect of physical disorder on initial episodic memory remained, after accounting for indirect effects and covariates.ConclusionsOverall, individuals who live in neighborhoods with high physical disorder and low social cohesion may experience greater psychological distress. Symptoms of anxiety and depression may, in turn, interfere with cognitive functioning. Neighborhood characteristics may be an important, targetable area for intervention to improve not only mental health outcomes, but cognitive health outcomes in older adulthood.}, keywords = {Anxiety, cognitive aging, Depressive symptoms, Perceived neighborhood characteristics}, isbn = {0277-9536}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113125}, author = {Sharifian, Neika and Spivey, Briana N. and Afsara B. Zaheed and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {10127, title = {Dimensions of religious involvement represent positive pathways in cognitive aging.}, journal = {Research on Aging}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Older Black and Hispanic adults report more religious involvement, and religious involvement has been linked to better cognition. This study examined which aspects of religious involvement are associated with better longitudinal episodic memory and whether religious involvement offsets racial and ethnic inequalities in episodic memory. Using Health and Retirement Study data ( = 16,069), latent growth curves estimated independent indirect pathways between race and ethnicity and 6-year memory trajectories through religious attendance, private prayer, and religious belief, controlling for nonreligious social participation, depressive symptoms, chronic health diseases, age, education, and wealth. Negative direct effects of Black race and Hispanic ethnicity on memory were partially offset by positive indirect pathways through more private prayer and religious attendance. While results were significant for memory intercept and not subsequent memory change, religious attendance and private prayer were independently associated with better cognitive health among diverse older adults. Findings may inform culturally relevant intervention development to promote successful aging and reduce older adults{\textquoteright} cognitive morbidity.}, keywords = {undefined}, issn = {1552-7573}, doi = {10.1177/0164027519862745}, author = {A Zarina Kraal and Sharifian, Neika and Afsara B. Zaheed and Sol, Ketlyne and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {9946, title = {Inflammatory mechanisms underlying the effects of everyday discrimination on age-related memory decline.}, journal = {Brain, Behavior \& Immunity}, volume = {75}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Jan}, pages = {149-154}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous research suggests that everyday discrimination is associated with worse episodic memory and partially mediates Black-White disparities in memory aging. The biological mechanisms underlying the link between everyday discrimination and memory are unclear but may involve inflammatory processes. This study aimed to determine whether systemic inflammation, indexed by blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), mediates associations between everyday discrimination and episodic memory over 6 years.

DESIGN: A longitudinal mediation model quantified associations between baseline everyday discrimination, 4-year change in CRP, and 6-year change in episodic memory.

SETTING: The Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

PARTICIPANTS: 12,624 HRS participants aged 51 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Everyday Discrimination Scale, high-sensitivity CRP assays of dried blood spots, composite scores of immediate and delayed recall of a word list.

RESULTS: Black participants reported greater everyday discrimination. Greater discrimination was associated with lower baseline memory and faster memory decline. Higher CRP at baseline partially mediated the negative association between discrimination and baseline memory, but CRP change did not mediate the association between discrimination and memory decline.

CONCLUSION: This U.S.-representative longitudinal study provides evidence for deleterious effects of discrimination on subsequent episodic memory. The fact that elevated CRP only partially explained the concurrent association between discrimination and memory highlights the need for more comprehensive investigations of biological mechanisms underlying the link between social stress and age-related memory decline in order to better characterize potential intervention targets to reduce racial inequalities in memory aging.

}, keywords = {Ageism, C-reactive protein, Discrimination, Inflammation, Memory}, issn = {1090-2139}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbi.2018.10.002}, author = {Laura B Zahodne and A Zarina Kraal and Sharifian, Neika and Afsara B. Zaheed and Sol, Ketlyne} } @article {10204, title = {The longitudinal association between social network composition and episodic memory in older adulthood: the importance of contact frequency with friends}, journal = {Aging \& Mental Health}, year = {2019}, note = {doi: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1660850}, month = {09/2019}, pages = {1 - 7}, abstract = {Objectives: The composition of one{\textquoteright}s social network has been associated with cognition such that a greater proportion of family is associated with worse cognition compared to a greater proportion of friends. It is not clear whether this association between network composition and cognitive aging is driven by potential negative effects of family interactions or positive effects of friend interactions. Methods: Using the Health and Retirement Study (T1: 2006/2008, T2: 2010/2012, T3: 2012/2014), a longitudinal mediation model was conducted to test the effects of composition on episodic memory and latent change in memory through contact frequency with friends and family. Results: Analyses revealed indirect effects of composition on both T2 memory and latent change in memory through contact frequency with friends. A greater proportion of family in one{\textquoteright}s network was associated with lower contact frequency with friends and in turn lower memory. Composition was also associated with higher contact frequency with family; however, contact frequency with family was not associated with memory. Conclusions: These findings suggest that spending time with family may not affect episodic memory in older adulthood, but spending time with friends may be beneficial. Potential mechanisms and implications regarding the importance of friendships in later life are discussed.}, keywords = {cognitive aging, contact frequency, Social networks}, isbn = {1360-7863}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1660850}, author = {Sharifian, Neika and A Zarina Kraal and Afsara B. Zaheed and Sol, Ketlyne and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {10111, title = {Longitudinal effects of race, ethnicity, and psychosocial disadvantage on systemic inflammation.}, journal = {SSM Population Health}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Apr}, pages = {100391}, abstract = {

Objective: Psychosocial factors likely contribute to racial and ethnic inequalities in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, precise social, psychological, and physiological pathways linking race and ethnicity to the development of CVDs are not well understood. Systemic inflammation, commonly indexed by C-reactive protein (CRP), is a biomarker for CVD risk and progression. The objective of this study was to identify mediating pathways from race and ethnicity to CRP through social, psychological, and behavioral variables.

Methods: Using data from 12,382 participants aged 51 and older in the Health and Retirement Study, structural equation models tested for direct and indirect effects of race and ethnicity on CRP measured over four years through educational disadvantage, everyday discrimination, depressive symptoms, external locus of control, and smoking.

Results: Educational disadvantage mediated Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in baseline CRP directly, as well as indirectly through elevated depressive symptoms, higher external locus of control, and smoking. Educational disadvantage also mediated Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in CRP change directly, as well as indirectly through higher external locus of control and smoking. Independent of education, discrimination mediated Black-White differences in baseline CRP via elevated depressive symptoms, higher external locus of control, and smoking. Discrimination also mediated Black-White disparities in CRP change via external locus of control.

Conclusions: Results from this population-based, longitudinal study support the view that racially patterned social disadvantage is prospectively associated with longitudinal inflammatory processes, and some of these effects are independently mediated by psychological and behavioral factors. Biopsychosocial pathways to health disparities also differ between minority groups.

}, keywords = {Inflammation, Psychosocial, Racial/ethnic differences}, issn = {2352-8273}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100391}, author = {Laura B Zahodne and A Zarina Kraal and Afsara B. Zaheed and Farris, Penelope and Sol, Ketlyne} } @article {10205, title = {Longitudinal socioemotional pathways between retrospective early life maternal relationship quality and episodic memory in older adulthood.}, journal = {Developmental Psychology}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Aug 22}, abstract = {

Prior research suggests that social relations may play a role in explaining individual differences in cognitive functioning in older adulthood. In particular, early life maternal relationship quality (MRQ) has been shown to be a strong predictor of later-life socioemotional outcomes and may also contribute to later-life cognitive outcomes. The current study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between retrospective early life MRQ and later-life episodic memory directly and indirectly through socioemotional pathways. Three waves of data spanning 6 years of the Health and Retirement Study were used (T1: 2008, T2: 2012, T3: 2014; n = 5,263, M = 69.31, SD = 10.75 at T1). A longitudinal mediation model tested the direct and indirect effects of retrospectively reported MRQ at T1 on T2 memory and latent change in memory from T2 to T3 through depressive symptoms, social network size, and loneliness at T2. Analyses revealed that better MRQ at T1 was associated with less loneliness and fewer depressive symptoms at T2, and in turn, each was independently associated with less decline in memory from T2 to T3. Overall, findings suggest an enduring effect of early life social experiences on later-life cognitive functioning through socioemotional pathways. These findings further highlight the necessity of taking an integrative and life course perspective when examining the relationship between social relations and cognition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

}, keywords = {Cognitive Science, Episodic Memory, Maternal Relationship}, issn = {1939-0599}, doi = {10.1037/dev0000805}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31436459}, author = {Sharifian, Neika and A Zarina Kraal and Afsara B. Zaheed and Sol, Ketlyne and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {9362, title = {Psychosocial Pathways to Racial/Ethnic Inequalities in Late-Life Memory Trajectories.}, journal = {Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences \& Social Sciences}, volume = {74}, year = {2019}, pages = {409-418}, abstract = {

Objectives: Blacks and Hispanics are at increased risk for dementia, even after socioeconomic and vascular factors are taken into account. This study tests a comprehensive model of psychosocial pathways leading to differences in longitudinal cognitive outcomes among older blacks and Hispanics, compared to non-Hispanic whites.

Methods: Using data from 10,173 participants aged 65 and older in the Health and Retirement Study, structural equation models tested associations among race/ethnicity, perceived discrimination, depressive symptoms, external locus of control, and 6-year memory trajectories, controlling for age, sex, educational attainment, income, wealth, and chronic diseases.

Results: Greater perceived discrimination among blacks was associated with lower initial memory level via depressive symptoms and external locus of control, and with faster memory decline directly. Greater depressive symptoms and external locus of control among Hispanics were each independently associated with lower initial memory, but there were no pathways from Hispanic ethnicity to memory decline.

Discussion: Depression and external locus of control partially mediate racial/ethnic differences in memory trajectories. Perceived discrimination is a major driver of these psychosocial pathways for blacks, but not Hispanics. These results can inform the development of policies and interventions to reduce cognitive morbidity among racially/ethnically diverse older adults.

}, keywords = {Cognitive Ability, Inequality, Memory, Psychosocial, Racial/ethnic differences}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbx113}, author = {Laura B Zahodne and Sol, Ketlyne and A Zarina Kraal} } @article {10153, title = {Social relations and age-related change in memory.}, journal = {Psychology and Aging}, volume = {34}, year = {2019}, pages = {751-765}, abstract = {Previous research suggests that social relations are associated with age-related memory change. However, social relations are complex and multidimensional, and it is not yet clear which aspects (structure, quality) may be beneficial over time. Further, the strength and direction of associations may differ depending on relationship type (partner, children, other family, friends). Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 10,390; Mage = 69, SD = 9.53 at baseline), latent growth curve models tested which aspects of social relations predicted 6-year episodic memory trajectories. Both structure and quality of social relations were associated with initial memory level, such that being married/partnered, reporting more frequent contact with children and friends, reporting less support from family members other than partners and children, and reporting less strain across relationship types were each independently associated with better initial memory. In contrast, only structure was associated with subsequent memory decline. Specifically, being married/partnered and reporting more frequent contact with friends were each independently associated with slower memory decline. No evidence of bidirectionality was found, as baseline memory did not predict subsequent changes in social relations. This longitudinal study helps to clarify which aspects of social relations are most likely to influence late-life episodic memory trajectories. Future intervention studies may focus on increasing social interactions with nonfamily members to minimize memory decline with age. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).}, keywords = {Cognitive Ability, Family Roles/Relationships, Memory, Social Support}, issn = {1939-1498}, doi = {10.1037/pag0000369}, author = {Laura B Zahodne and Kristine J. Ajrouch and Sharifian, Neika and Toni C Antonucci} } @article {10085, title = {Unique effects of perceived neighborhood physical disorder and social cohesion on episodic memory and semantic fluency.}, journal = {Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology}, year = {2019}, abstract = {

Objective: Objective measures of neighborhood quality are associated with physical and mental health outcomes for older adults, but the relationship between perceived neighborhood quality and cognitive health has not been fully explored. Furthermore, positive and negative neighborhood characteristics may influence cognition through different mechanisms. The present study aimed to determine whether perceptions of neighborhood quality predict cognitive functioning in two domains, above and beyond individual-level risk factors, in a nationally representative sample of older adults.

Method: Using cross-sectional weighted data from 13,919 participants aged 51 and older from the Health and Retirement Study, linear regression models tested independent associations between perceived neighborhood quality (physical disorder and social cohesion) and cognition (episodic memory and semantic verbal fluency), controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, chronic disease burden, and depressive symptoms. Interaction terms tested whether neighborhood social cohesion moderated the relationship between neighborhood physical disorder and each cognitive outcome.

Results: Perception of greater neighborhood physical disorder was significantly associated with worse episodic memory, while perception of lower neighborhood social cohesion was significantly associated with worse semantic fluency. There were no significant interactions between physical disorder and social cohesion.

Conclusions: Results provide preliminary evidence for different mechanisms underlying associations between aspects of neighborhood quality and cognition (e.g., stress vs. social interaction). Additional intervention work is needed to determine whether improving neighborhood physical conditions and promoting social cohesion at the neighborhood level could reduce cognitive morbidity among older adults.

}, keywords = {Memory, Neighborhoods, Perception, Social Support}, issn = {1873-5843}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acy098}, author = {Afsara B. Zaheed and Sharifian, Neika and A Zarina Kraal and Sol, Ketlyne and Hence, Alyssia and Laura B Zahodne} } @article {9740, title = {Subjective Social Status Predicts Late-Life Memory Trajectories through Both Mental and Physical Health Pathways}, journal = {Gerontology}, volume = {64}, year = {2018}, month = {03/2018}, pages = {466-474}, abstract = {Background: Subjective social status (SSS) is associated with mental and physical health, independent of objective socioeconomic status (SES), but its association with late-life cognitive decline is unknown. Objective: This study characterizes the association between SSS and late-life memory trajectories in a large, nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States. Methods: Using data from 8,530 participants aged 65 years and older in the Health and Retirement Study, structural equation models tested associations between SSS, objective SES (i.e., educational attainment, occupation, income, and wealth), physical and mental health, and 6-year memory trajectories, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Independent of objective SES, lower SSS was associated with worse initial memory but not subsequent memory decline. The association between SSS and initial memory was separately mediated by chronic diseases, stroke, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results provide preliminary behavioral evidence for the deleterious effects of social stress on cognitive aging. These results may help inform the development of policies and interventions to reduce cognitive morbidity among older adults who perceive a low position on the social hierarchy.}, keywords = {Cognitive Ability, Depressive symptoms, Health Conditions and Status, Late-life Health, Memory}, issn = {0304-324X}, doi = {10.1159/000487304}, url = {https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/487304https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/487304https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/487304}, author = {Laura B Zahodne and A Zarina Kraal and Afsara B. Zaheed and Sol, Ketlyne} } @article {9337, title = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease genetic risk variants beyond APOE ε4 predict mortality}, journal = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s \& Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment \& Disease Monitoring}, volume = {8}, year = {2017}, pages = {188-195}, abstract = {We hypothesized that, like apolipoprotein E (APOE), other late-onset Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease (LOAD) genetic susceptibility loci predict mortality. Methods We used a weighted genetic risk score (GRS) from 21 non-APOE LOAD risk variants to predict survival in the Adult Changes in Thought and the Health and Retirement Studies. We meta-analyzed hazard ratios and examined models adjusted for cognitive performance or limited to participants with dementia. For replication, we assessed the GRS-longevity association in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology, comparing cases surviving to age >=90 years with controls who died between ages 55 and 80 years. Results Higher GRS predicted mortality (hazard ratio = 1.05; 95\% confidence interval: 1.00{\textendash}1.10, P =.04). After adjusting for cognitive performance or restricting to participants with dementia, the relationship was attenuated and no longer significant. In case-control analysis, the GRS was associated with reduced longevity (odds ratio = 0.64; 95\% confidence interval: 0.41{\textendash}1.00, P =.05). Discussion Non-APOE LOAD susceptibility loci confer risk for mortality, likely through effects on dementia incidence.}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, APoE4, Cognitive Ability, Genetics, Mortality, Risk Factors}, issn = {23528729}, doi = {10.1016/j.dadm.2017.07.002}, url = {http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352872917300416http://api.elsevier.com/content/article/PII:S2352872917300416?httpAccept=text/xmlhttp://api.elsevier.com/content/article/PII:S2352872917300416?httpAccept=text/plain}, author = {Mez, Jesse and Jessica R Marden and Mukherjee, Shubhabrata and Stefan Walter and Laura E Gibbons and Alden L Gross and Laura B Zahodne and Paola Gilsanz and Brewster, Paul and Nho, Kwangsik and Paul K Crane and Eric B Larson and M. Maria Glymour} } @article {8480, title = {Older adults with poor self-rated memory have less depressive symptoms and better memory performance when perceived self-efficacy is high.}, journal = {Int J Geriatr Psychiatry}, volume = {31}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 07}, pages = {783-90}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether self-efficacy moderates the association between self-rated memory and depressive symptoms in a large sample of older adults. The influence of self-efficacy and depressive symptoms on memory performance was also examined in a subsample of individuals who reported poor memory.

METHODS: Non-demented participants (n = 3766) were selected from the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Depressive symptomatology was assessed with the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A modified version of the Midlife Developmental Inventory Questionnaire was used as the measure of self-efficacy. Participants were asked to rate their memory presently on a five-point scale from Excellent (1) to Poor (5). Immediate memory and delayed memory (after a 5-min interval) were measured by the number of correct words recalled from a 10-item word list.

RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses revealed that negative ratings of memory were significantly associated with greater levels of depressive symptoms, with this effect being greatest in those with low levels of self-efficacy. Additionally, greater self-efficacy was associated with optimal objective memory performances but only when depressive symptoms were low in individuals who reported poor memory function (n = 1196).

CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy moderates the relationship between self-rated memory function and depressive symptoms. Higher self-efficacy may buffer against the impact of subjective memory difficulty on one{\textquoteright}s mood and thereby mitigating the effect of depressive symptoms on memory. Interventions should focus on increasing perceived self-efficacy in older adults reporting poor memory function to potentially minimize memory impairment.

}, keywords = {Aged, Aged, 80 and over, depression, Female, Humans, Male, Memory, Middle Aged, Regression Analysis, Self Efficacy, Surveys and Questionnaires}, issn = {1099-1166}, doi = {10.1002/gps.4392}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26679474}, author = {O{\textquoteright}Shea, Deirdre M and Vonetta M Dotson and Fieo, Robert A and Tsapanou, Angeliki and Laura B Zahodne and Stern, Yaakov} } @article {8230, title = {Role of Place in Explaining Racial Heterogeneity in Cognitive Outcomes among Older Adults}, journal = {Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society}, volume = {21}, year = {2015}, note = {Times Cited: 0 Si 0}, pages = {677-687}, publisher = {21}, abstract = {Racially patterned disadvantage in Southern states, especially during the formative years of primary school, may contribute to enduring disparities in adult cognitive outcomes. Drawing on a lifecourse perspective, we examine whether state of school attendance affects cognitive outcomes in older adults and partially contributes to persistent racial disparities. Using data from older African American and white participants in the national Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the New York based Washington Heights Inwood Cognitive Aging Project (WHICAP), we estimated age-and gender-adjusted multilevel models with random effects for states predicting years of education and cognitive outcomes (e.g., memory and vocabulary). We summarized the proportion of variation in outcomes attributable to state of school attendance and compared the magnitude of racial disparities across states. Among WHICAP African Americans, state of school attendance accounted for 9 of the variance in years of schooling, 6 of memory, and 12 of language. Among HRS African Americans, state of school attendance accounted for 13 of the variance in years of schooling and also contributed to variance in cognitive function (7 ), memory (2 ), and vocabulary (12 ). Random slope models indicated state-level African American and white disparities in every Census region, with the largest racial differences in the South. State of school attendance may contribute to racial disparities in cognitive outcomes among older Americans. Despite tremendous within-state heterogeneity, state of school attendance also accounted for some variability in cognitive outcomes. Racial disparities in older Americans may reflect historical patterns of segregation and differential access to resources such as education.}, keywords = {Health Conditions and Status, Healthcare, Women and Minorities}, doi = {10.1017/s1355617715000806}, author = {Sze Y Liu and M. Maria Glymour and Laura B Zahodne and Weiss, Christopher and Jennifer J Manly} }