@article {12092, title = {Child{\textendash}Parent Relationships and Older Adults{\textquoteright} Health: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between China and the United States}, journal = {Journal of Family Issues}, year = {Forthcoming}, abstract = {This study compared the associations of child?parent relationships with older adults? multidimensional health in the United States and China. Two waves of data from the US Health and Retirement Study and its sister study in China (2012?2015) were used (2174 non-Hispanic [NH] White Americans and 4467 Chinese). Linear regression models were conducted for cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons. Results showed most child?parent relationships had nonsignificant associations with NH White Americans? health. In contrast, closer child?parent relationships were linked to fewer depressive symptoms and better cognitive function among Chinese. Co-residence was associated with poorer health among older Chinese. Over a 2-year period, living nearby was linked to poorer cognitive function among NH White Americans and fewer depressive symptoms among Chinese. Having weekly contact was predictive of better cognition among Chinese. This study revealed cross-cultural differences in the associations between child?parent relationships and older adults? health. Family relationships in accordance with Chinese culture could improve health.}, keywords = {CHARLS, child{\textendash}parent relationship, cognitive function, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Depressive symptoms, functional ability}, isbn = {0192-513X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X211064866}, author = {Lu, Peiyi and Kong, Dexia and Shelley, Mack} } @article {13773, title = {Health Care Access and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Cross-Lagged Panel Longitudinal Analysis.}, journal = {Journal of Applied Gerontology: the official journal of the southern gerontology society}, year = {Forthcoming}, pages = {7334648241230015}, abstract = {

The current longitudinal study examined how (1) cognitive measures, including episodic memory, executive function, and global cognition, predict later healthcare access and how (2) healthcare access predicts later cognition. Drawing a sample ( = 9920) from the Health and Retirement Study dataset, we created a cross-lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal association between cognitive measures and healthcare access from 2012 to 2018. Results revealed that cognitive measures significantly predict later healthcare access, with effects increasing across waves. However, within sub-domains, memory was more predictive of later healthcare access over time compared to executive function. Our study suggested an increased link between cognition and healthcare access during aging. Even outside of the context of AD, there are likely both policy-based and practical implications to ensure those experiencing cognitive decline continue to maintain access to care.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, cross-lagged panel analysis, health care access, health retirement study}, issn = {1552-4523}, doi = {10.1177/07334648241230015}, author = {Du, Chenguang and Katz, Benjamin and Shrestha, Prabisha and Hori, Kazuki and Dave, Gaurav} } @article {12643, title = {The Impact of Sustained Ownership of a Pet on Cognitive Health: A Population-Based Study.}, journal = {Journal of Aging and Health}, year = {Forthcoming}, abstract = {

To examine associations between sustained ownership of a pet and cognitive outcomes among a national sample of U.S. adults. Weighted linear mixed models were estimated using the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2016, = 1369) to compare repeated measures of cognitive function between respondents who endorsed owning a pet in a sustained manner (>5~years), versus those who owned a pet <=5~years, and non-pet owners. Respondents aged 65+ who owned a pet >5~years demonstrated higher composite cognitive scores, compared to non-pet owners (β = .76, = .03). Sustained pet ownership was associated with higher immediate (β = .3, = .02) and delayed (β = .4, = .007) word recall scores. There were no significant differences in cognitive scores between pet owners and non-owners aged < 65. Sustained ownership of a pet could mitigate cognitive disparities in older adults. Further studies are needed to examine potential causal pathways, including physical activity and stress buffering, versus selection effects.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Cognitive health, companion animals, pet ownership, Pets}, issn = {1552-6887}, doi = {10.1177/08982643221122641}, author = {Applebaum, Jennifer W and Shieu, Monica M and McDonald, Shelby E and Dunietz, Galit Levi and Braley, Tiffany J} } @article {13620, title = {Neighborhood Features and Cognitive Function: Moderating Roles of Individual Socioeconomic Status.}, journal = {American journal of preventive medicine}, year = {Forthcoming}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: There is an interest in exploring the associations between neighborhood characteristics and individual cognitive function; however, little is known about whether these relationships can be modified by individual socioeconomic status, such as educational attainment and income.

METHODS: Drawing from the 2010-2018 Health and Retirement Study, this study analyzed 10,621 older respondents (aged 65+) with a total of 33,931 person-waves. These respondents did not have dementia in 2010 and stayed in the same neighborhood throughout the study period. Cognitive function was measured with a 27-point indicator biennially, and neighborhood characteristics (i.e., walkability, concentrated disadvantage, and social isolation) were assessed in 2010. All analyses were performed in 2023.

RESULTS: Cognitive function is positively associated with neighborhood walkability and negatively related to concentrated disadvantage, suggesting that exposures to these neighborhood characteristics have long-lasting impacts on cognitive function. Furthermore, individual socioeconomic status modifies the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and cognitive function. Compared with those graduating from college, respondents without a bachelor{\textquoteright}s degree consistently have lower cognitive function but the educational gap in cognitive function narrows with increases in walkability (b= -0.152, SE=0.092), and widens when neighborhood concentrated disadvantage (b=0.212, SE=0.070) or social isolation (b=0.315, SE=0.125) rises. The income gap in cognitive function shrinks with increases in walkability (b= -0.063, SE=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS: The moderating role of socioeconomic status indicates that low-socioeconomic status older adults who also live in disadvantaged neighborhoods face a higher risk of poor cognitive function. Low-education and low-income aging adults may have the most to gain from investments to improve neighborhood characteristics.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, low-education, low-income, Older Adults, socioeconomic status}, issn = {1873-2607}, doi = {10.1016/j.amepre.2023.10.012}, author = {Yang, Tse-Chuan and Kim, Seulki and Choi, Seung-Won Emily and Halloway, Shannon and Mitchell, Uchechi A and Shaw, Benjamin A} } @article {13422, title = {Association between perceived risk of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias and cognitive function among U.S. older adults.}, journal = {Arch Gerontol Geriatr}, volume = {115}, year = {2023}, pages = {105126}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess factors associated with the perceived risk of developing Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and how the perceived risk of ADRD was related to cognitive function.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 5 waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (2012-2022) that included adults aged 65 years or older with no previous diagnosis of ADRD at baseline. Cognitive function was measured at baseline and over time using a summary score that included immediate/delayed word recall, serial 7{\textquoteright}s test, objective naming test, backwards counting, recall of the current date, and naming the president/vice-president (range~=~0-35). Perceived risk of developing ADRD was categorized at baseline as "definitely not" (0\% probability), "unlikely" (1-49\%), "uncertain" (50\%), and "more than likely" (>50-100\%). Additional baseline measures included participants{\textquoteright} sociodemographic background, psychosocial resources, health behaviors, physiological status, and healthcare utilization.

RESULTS: Of 1457 respondents (median age 74 [IQR~=~69-80] and 59.8\% women), individuals who perceived that they were "more than likely" to develop ADRD had more depressive symptoms and were more likely to be hospitalized in the past two years than individuals who indicated that it was "unlikely" they would develop ADRD. Alternatively, respondnets who perceived that they would "definitely not" develop ADRD were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black, less educated, and have lower income than individuals who indicated it was "unlikely" they would develop ADRD. Respondents who reported their risks of developing ADRD as "more than likely" (β~=~-2.10, P~<~0.001) and "definitely not" (β~=~-1.50, P~<~0.001) had the lowest levels of cognitive function; and the associations were explained in part by their socioeconomic, psychosocial, and health status.

CONCLUSIONS: Perceived risk of developing ADRD is associated with cognitive function. The (dis)concordance between individuals{\textquoteright} perceived risk of ADRD and their cognitive function has important implications for increasing public awareness and developing interventions to prevent ADRD.

}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, cognitive function, Dementia, Older Adults, United States}, issn = {1872-6976}, doi = {10.1016/j.archger.2023.105126}, author = {Wang, Nan and Xu, Hanzhang and West, Jessica S and {\O}stbye, Truls and Wu, Bei and Xian, Ying and Dupre, Matthew E} } @article {12375, title = {Exploring the Relationship Between Engagement in Enriching Early-Life Activities During Adolescence and Cognition in Later-Life: Results From the Health and Retirement Study.}, journal = {Research on Aging}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

The cognitive benefits associated with mid- to late-life engagement have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the link between engagement in enriching early-life activities (EELAs) during adolescence and later-life cognition has been relatively unexplored in major epidemiological studies. We examined the EELA-cognition relationship in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50+. A subset of Health and Retirement Study respondents (=3482) completed cognitive tests and returned a retrospective early-life activity inventory. Linear regression models analyzed the EELA-cognition relationship, and multiple imputation addressed missingness. Each additional EELA was associated with a 0.36 point higher cognitive score (95\% CI: 0.24, 0.47). This relationship remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (B=0.16; 95\% CI: [0.06, 0.26]). EELA engagement was associated with better later-life cognitive performance. This study is understood to be the first to examine the EELA-cognition relationship using a large, nationally representative dataset. The findings highlight the importance of early-life engagement during an important developmental period (e.g., adolescence).

}, keywords = {adolescence, cognitive function, early-life enrichment, life course, Lifestyle activities}, issn = {1552-7573}, doi = {10.1177/01640275221085660}, author = {Crane, Breanna M and Bandeen-Roche, Karen and Carlson, Michelle C} } @article {12998, title = {FINDING THE MINDS OF OUR ELDERS: TESTING THE MINORITY STRESS AND COGNITION MODEL WITH INDIGENOUS OLDER ADULTS}, journal = {Innovation in Aging}, volume = {6}, year = {2023}, pages = {429-430}, abstract = {This study used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data to investigate how an understudied group of Indigenous Older Adults (IOAs) in the United States fared over a 14-year period (2006-2020) in the domain of global cognitive function. The number of IOAs, defined here as Native American and Alaska Natives, will more than double in the next 30 years. Concurrently, the number of IOAs living with cognitive impairments will also increase. Guided by the Minority Stress and Cognition Model, we tested the hypothesis that discriminatory stress increases the risk of cognitive impairment in later life. Using a robust set of psychosocial (e.g. educational quality, perceived everyday discrimination experiences), behavioral (e.g. substance use, exercise), and physiological (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, obesity) risk factors, we modeled the cognition trajectories 186 IOAs using mixed growth curves. We found that one third of these IOAs reported experiencing everyday discrimination at least once per month, the highest of any ethnic group. They also reported high rates of other risk factors for cognitive impairment like low education, SES, and physical activity, and high rates of depression and chronic health conditions. Our analysis found that everyday discrimination was negatively associated with total cognition among IOAs but that this relationship was mediated by allostatic loads. On average, the total cognition scores of IOAs declined significantly faster than those of Whites. This study has important implications for the integration of stress as a mechanism for cognitive decline and the health equity of Indigenous older adults.}, keywords = {cognitive function, Indigenous older adults, Minority Stress and Cognition Model}, doi = {10.1093/geroni/igac059.1687}, author = {Whetung, Cliff} } @article {12854, title = {Identifying cognitive impairment among older participants in a nationally representative internet panel.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, year = {2023}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: The Health and Retirement Study Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (HRS TICS) score and its associated Langa-Weir cutoffs are widely used as indicators of cognitive status for research purposes in population-based studies. The classification is based on in-person and phone interviews of older individuals. Our purpose was to develop a corresponding classification for web-based self-administered assessments.

METHOD: Participants were 925 members of a nationally representative internet panel, all aged 50 and older. We conducted (a) a phone interview comprised of cognitive items used to construct the HRS TICS score, and (b) a web counterpart with self-administered cognitive items, while also considering (c) other already administered web-based cognitive tests and instrumental activities of daily living survey questions, all from the same respondents.

RESULTS: The web-administered HRS TICS items have only modest correlations with the same phone items, although neither mode showed universally higher scores than the other. Using latent variable modeling, we created a probability of cognitive impairment score for the web-based battery that achieved good correspondence to the phone Langa-Weir classification.

DISCUSSION: The results permit analyses of predictors, correlates, and consequences of cognitive impairment in web surveys where relevant cognitive test and functional abilities items are available. We discuss challenges and caveats that may affect the findings.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, cognitive testing, Dementia, Internet, questionnaires and surveys}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbac172}, author = {Gatz, Margaret and Schneider, Stefan and Meijer, Erik and Darling, Jill E and Orriens, Bart and Liu, Ying and Kapteyn, Arie} } @article {13614, title = {Methodology for Analysis of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study}, journal = {Dying Broke}, year = {2023}, publisher = {The New York Times}, address = {New York, NY}, keywords = {cognitive function, Langa-Weir classification, Methodology}, url = {https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/health/retirement-survey-analysis.html?action=click\&module=RelatedLinks\&pgtype=Article}, author = {The New York Times and KFF Health News} } @article {13534, title = {The relationship between physical activity, cognitive function and health care use: A mediation analysis.}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine (1983)}, volume = {335}, year = {2023}, pages = {116202}, abstract = {

Physical activity is known to provide substantial health benefits and subsequently reduce health care use among older people, but little is known about how much of this effect is due to improved cognitive function as opposed to physical improvements in health. We study the direct and indirect effect of physical activity on health care use using the word recall task as a measure of cognitive function in a mediation framework. We use data from eight waves of the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (2004 - 2018) of people aged 65 and older and exploit genetic variations between individuals as an instrumental variable (IV) for cognitive function, a local health care supply measure as IV for health care use, and neighbourhood physical activity as IV for individual physical activity in our simultaneous three-equation model. We find small but negative direct and indirect effects of physical activity through improved cognitive function on the probability to see a GP and being admitted to a hospital, as well as the number of GP visits and the hospital length of stay. Improved cognitive function explains between 5\% to 17\% of the total effect of physical activity on the reduction in health care use.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Health care use, HRS, mediation analysis, Physical activity}, issn = {1873-5347}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116202}, author = {Lenzen, Sabrina and Gannon, Brenda and Rose, Christiern and Norton, Edward C} } @article {12774, title = {Source of perceived social support and cognitive change: an 8-year prospective cohort study.}, journal = {Aging \& Mental Health}, volume = {27}, year = {2023}, pages = {1496-1505}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the longitudinal association between overall and individual sources of social support and global cognitive function in older adults.Data were drawn from three waves (2006, 2010 and 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The analytic sample included participants aged 65 and above who were married and had at least one child ( = 1319). Global cognitive function was measured through a 35-point Telephone Interview Cognitive Screen (TICS). Perceived social support was measured via questions across four sources of support (spouse, child, other family members, and friends). Analyses were conducted using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) with the addition of a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM).

RESULTS: There was no significant association between perceived overall social support and global cognitive function over time (). However, changes in perceived support from children were positively associated with changes in global cognition ( In contrast, changes in perceived support from other family members were negatively associated with changes in cognitive function (.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of examining perceived social support from specific elements of one{\textquoteright}s social networks, rather than in an aggregated variable. Although the positive effect of perceived support from children may be small to moderate, the findings could provide a target for interventions to protect the cognitive function of older adults.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, hierarchical linear modeling, perceived social support}, issn = {1364-6915}, doi = {10.1080/13607863.2022.2126433}, author = {Du, Chenguang and Dong, XinQi and Katz, Benjamin and Li, Mengting} } @article {12506, title = {Subjective Memory Decline Predicts Incident Cognitive Impairment among White-but Not Black or Hispanic-Older Adults.}, journal = {The Gerontologist}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigates whether subjective memory decline in a racially diverse sample of older adults without cognitive impairment at baseline is associated with incident cognitive impairment during a 12-year follow-up period.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: With panel data from a national sample (N=9,244) of cognitively-intact Black, White, and Hispanic Americans 65 years or older in 2004, we examine if subjective memory decline is associated with the loss of normal cognition by 2016. Cognitive status was assessed every two years with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status to identify the transition from normal cognition to cognitive impairment.

RESULTS: Estimates from Weibull accelerated failure-time models reveal that subjective memory decline is associated with earlier incident cognitive impairment (time ratio = 0.96, p<.05). In subsequent models stratified by race-ethnicity, this association was evident among White respondents (time ratio = 0.95, p<.01) but not among Black, US-born Hispanic, or foreign-born Hispanic respondents.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Given that the prognostic validity of subjective memory decline differs by race and ethnicity, caution is warranted when using it as a screening or clinical tool in diverse populations.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Disparities, Racial-ethnic differences, Self-reported memory}, issn = {1758-5341}, doi = {10.1093/geront/gnac086}, author = {Ferraro, Kenneth F and Sauerteig-Rolston, Madison R and Barnes, Lisa L and Friedman, Elliot and Sands, Laura P and Thomas, Patricia A} } @article {13425, title = {Time-lagged associations between two adverse childhood experiences and later-life cognitive function through educational attainment and stroke.}, journal = {J Int Neuropsychol Soc}, year = {2023}, pages = {1-10}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with worse cognitive health in older adulthood. This study aimed to extend findings on the specificity, persistence, and pathways of associations between two ACEs and cognition by using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and a time-lagged mediation design.

METHOD: Participants were 3304 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Participants retrospectively reported whether they were exposed to parental substance abuse or experienced parental physical abuse before age 18. Factor scores derived from a battery of 13 neuropsychological tests indexed cognitive domains of episodic memory, executive functioning, processing speed, language, and visuospatial function. Structural equation models examined self-reported years of education and stroke as mediators, controlling for sociodemographics and childhood socioeconomic status.

RESULTS: Parental substance abuse in childhood was associated with worse later-life cognitive function across all domains, in part via pathways involving educational attainment and stroke. Parental physical abuse was associated with worse cognitive outcomes via stroke independent of education.

CONCLUSIONS: This national longitudinal study in the United States provides evidence for broad and persistent indirect associations between two ACEs and cognitive aging via differential pathways involving educational attainment and stroke. Future research should examine additional ACEs and mechanisms as well as moderators of these associations to better understand points of intervention.

}, keywords = {Adverse Childhood Experiences, cognitive function, Stroke}, issn = {1469-7661}, doi = {10.1017/S135561772300036X}, author = {Kraal, A Zarina and Zaheed, Afsara B and Krasnova, Anna and Vadari, Harita and Byrd, DeAnnah R and Zahodne, Laura B} } @article {11712, title = {The Association Between Facets of Conscientiousness and Performance-based and Informant-Rated Cognition, Affect, and Activities in Older Adults.}, journal = {Journal of Personality}, volume = {90}, year = {2022}, pages = {121-132}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: To identify facets of Conscientiousness associated with objective cognitive performance, informant-rated cognitive decline, and informant-rated affect and activities implicated in cognitive health.

METHOD: Health and Retirement Study participants (N=2,516) reported on their personality, completed a comprehensive cognitive assessment, and had knowledgeable informants report on their cognition, affect, and activities.

RESULTS: Industriousness and responsibility were associated with better cognitive performance; order was associated with less informant-rated cognitive decline. The facets were also associated with more positive affect, less negative affect, greater engagement in cognitive activities and activities outside the house, and less engagement in passive activities, as rated by a knowledgeable informant. Informant-rated engagement in cognitive activities mediated the association between self-reported responsibility and objective cognitive performance.

CONCLUSIONS: Tendencies toward achievement and accountability were associated with healthier cognitive performance and daily profiles that support cognitive health, whereas organization was associated with cognition as reported by a knowledgeable informant. The differential pattern of correlates is informative for the theoretical processes that link distinct facets of Conscientiousness to healthier cognitive aging.

}, keywords = {attention, cognitive function, Conscientiousness, Facets, Five factor model, Memory}, issn = {1467-6494}, doi = {10.1111/jopy.12657}, author = {Angelina R Sutin and Damaris Aschwanden and Yannick Stephan and Antonio Terracciano} } @article {11966, title = {Cognitive Function Among Noncustodial Grandparents in China and the United States: A Cross-National Perspective.}, journal = {The International Journal of Aging and Human Development}, volume = {95}, year = {2022}, pages = {18-41}, abstract = {

The current study aimed to investigate the association between grandparenting and cognitive function over time in noncustodial grandparents in China and the United States. Lagged dependent variable (LDV) approach and linear regression models were applied to analyze a sample of 1,411 Chinese and 6,579 American adults aged 65 and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011-2013) and the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2012-2014). Grandparenting involvement was associated with less decline in episodic memory for grandparents and greater level of grandparenting had no negative effect on mental status and global cognitive function in noncustodial grandparents in China and the United States. The impact of grandparenting on cognitive function was conditioned on caregiving intensity, gender, urban/rural residence, and nation. Findings of the study suggest that greater attention on grandparenting facilitation might yield improved research, social support, policy, and interventions on cognitive health for the general older population.

}, keywords = {CHARLS, cognitive function, cross-national studies, grandparenthood, intergenerational relationship}, issn = {1541-3535}, doi = {10.1177/00914150211050877}, author = {Pan, Xi and Luo, Ye and Nicholas J Bishop} } @article {12503, title = {Does glaucoma affect cognitive function}, year = {2022}, publisher = {EurekAlert!}, keywords = {cognitive function, Glaucoma}, url = {https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/956465}, author = {Wiley News} } @article {12037, title = {Effect of cognitive impairment on risk of death in Hispanic/Latino adults over the age of 50 residing in the United States with and without diabetes: Data from the Health and Retirement Study 1995-2014.}, journal = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s \& Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s Association}, volume = {18}, year = {2022}, pages = {1616-1624}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: To understand the relationship between mortality and cognitive function among older US Hispanic adults with and without diabetes.

METHODS: Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1995-2014) were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between mortality and cognitive function. Models were stratified by diabetes.

RESULTS: Four thousand thirteen older US Hispanic adults were included. Fully adjusted models for individuals with diabetes showed those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61; 95\% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06, 2.45; P~=~.025) and dementia (HR: 2.14; 95\% CI: 1.25, 3.67; P~=~.006) had increased mortality compared to normal cognition. Fully adjusted models for individuals without diabetes showed those with MCI (HR: 1.87; 95\% CI: 1.28, 2.74; P~=~.001) and dementia (HR: 3.25; 95\% CI: 1.91, 5.55; P~<~.001) had increased mortality compared to normal cognition.

CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment is associated with increased mortality in older US Hispanic adults with and without diabetes. Clinicians should regularly assess cognitive function in this group to quickly identify declines and make appropriate referrals for support to optimize health and reduce mortality.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, cognitive impairment, Hispanics, Mortality}, issn = {1552-5279}, doi = {10.1002/alz.12521}, author = {Martinez, Martin and Aprill Z Dawson and Lu, Kevin and Rebekah J Walker and Leonard E Egede} } @article {12492, title = {Favourable Lifestyle Protects Cognitive Function in Older Adults With High Genetic Risk of Obesity: A Prospective Cohort Study.}, journal = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, volume = {15}, year = {2022}, pages = {808209}, abstract = {

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive impairment remains controversial, especially in older people. This study aims to confirm the association of phenotypic and genetic obesity with cognitive impairment and the benefits of adhering to a healthy lifestyle. This prospective study included 10,798 participants (aged >= 50 years) with normal cognitive function from the Health and Retirement Study in the United States. Participants were divided into low (lowest quintile), intermediate (quintiles 2-4), and high (highest quintile) groups according to their polygenic risk score (PRS) for BMI. The risk of cognitive impairment was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Higher PRS for BMI was associated with an increased risk, whereas phenotypic obesity was related to a decreased risk of cognitive impairment. Never smoking, moderate drinking, and active physical activity were considered favourable and associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment compared with current smoking, never drinking, and inactive, respectively. A favourable lifestyle was associated with a low risk of cognitive impairment, even in subjects with low BMI and high PRS for BMI. This study suggest that regardless of obesity status, including phenotypic and genetic, adhering to a favourable lifestyle is beneficial to cognitive function.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, genetic risk, lifestyle, Obesity}, issn = {1662-5099}, doi = {10.3389/fnmol.2022.808209}, author = {Liu, Huamin and Wang, Zhenghe and Zou, Lianwu and Gu, Shanyuan and Zhang, Minyi and Hukportie, Daniel Nyarko and Zheng, Jiazhen and Zhou, Rui and Yuan, Zelin and Wu, Keyi and Huang, Zhiwei and Zhong, Qi and Huang, Yining and Wu, Xianbo} } @article {12608, title = {Fertility History and Risk of Cognitive Impairment Among Older Parents in The United States.}, journal = {The Journal of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {77}, year = {2022}, pages = {2326-2337}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: I work from a gendered life course perspective to examine the association between older parents{\textquoteright} fertility history (i.e., timing and parity) and their risk of cognitive impairment in the United States.

METHOD: I analyze nationally representative data from 9 waves over 16 years of the Health and Retirement Study (2000-2016). The sample includes 14,543 respondents (6,108 men and 8,435 women) aged 50 and older at the baseline survey. I examine the relationship between parity, age at first birth, and age at last birth with risk of cognitive impairment using non-linear discrete-time hazard models.

RESULTS: Adjusting for the effects of full covariates, there are U-shaped relationships between women{\textquoteright}s age at last birth and risk of cognitive impairment, and between women{\textquoteright}s parity and risk of cognitive impairment. In the sensitivity tests, the relationships remain robust when sampling weights are applied, or mortality selection is corrected.

DISCUSSION: Fertility timing and parity are likely factors associated with the risk of cognitive impairment for older women. Understanding fertility history and its impact on cognition can help identify the most vulnerable subpopulations so that more effective interventions can be made to improve cognitive functioning among older adults.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Demography, family sociology, population aging}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbac091}, author = {Zhang, Yan} } @article {12502, title = {Glaucoma and cognitive function trajectories in a population-based study: Findings from the health and retirement study.}, journal = {Journal of the American Geriatrics Society}, volume = {70}, year = {2022}, pages = {2827-2837}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies on the association of glaucoma and cognitive function have reported mixed results.

METHODS: The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a nationally representative panel survey of Americans age >= 51 years. HRS-linked Medicare claims data were used to identify incident glaucoma cases (by glaucoma type). Cognitive function was measured using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), administered in each wave (every 2 years). Separate linear mixed models were fitted with either prevalent or incident glaucoma as a predictor of TICS trajectories and adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, gender, and medical history. Negative model estimates indicate associations of glaucoma with worse cognitive function scores or steeper per-year declines in cognitive function scores.

RESULTS: Analyses of prevalent glaucoma cases included 1344 cases and 5729 controls. Analyses of incident glaucoma included 886 cases and 4385 controls. In fully-adjusted models, those with prevalent glaucoma had similar TICS scores to controls (β~=~0.01; 95\% Confidence Interval [CI]: -0.15, 0.18; p~=~0.86). However, in those with incident glaucoma, we detected a statistically significant association between glaucoma and lower TICS scores (β~=~-0.29; 95\% CI: -0.50, -0.08; p~=~0.007). However, there was no statistically significant association between either prevalent or incident glaucoma and per-year rates of change in TICS scores. When categorizing glaucoma by type (primary open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, or other glaucoma), no significant associations were detected between either prevalent or incident glaucoma and levels of or rates of change in TICS scores in fully covariate adjusted models.

CONCLUSION: The observed associations between glaucoma and cognitive function were small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Compared to prior studies on this topic, this investigation provides robust evidence based on its larger sample size, longitudinal follow-up, and repeated measures of cognitive function in a population-based sample.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology, vision}, issn = {1532-5415}, doi = {10.1111/jgs.17903}, author = {Kolli, Ajay and Kabeto, Mohammed and McCammon, Ryan and Kenneth M. Langa and Ehrlich, Joshua R} } @article {12532, title = {Glaucoma Not Linked to Change in Cognitive Function}, year = {2022}, publisher = {Physician{\textquoteright}s Weekly}, keywords = {cognitive function, Glaucoma, Medicare}, url = {https://www.physiciansweekly.com/glaucoma-not-linked-to-change-in-cognitive-function/}, author = {HealthDay News} } @article {12864, title = {Limited Cognitive Ability May Reduce SNAP Participation among Older Adults }, number = {$\#$81}, year = {2022}, institution = {Center for Aging and Policy Studies, Syracuse University }, address = {Syracuse, NY}, keywords = {cognitive function, SNAP program}, url = {https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1196\&context=lerner}, author = {Heflin, Colleen and Zuo, Dongmei and Alphonso, Gabriella} } @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 {12205, title = {Race inequity in school attendance across the Jim Crow South and its implications for Black-White disparities in trajectories of cognitive function among older adults.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {77}, year = {2022}, pages = {1467-1477}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: Although education is a key determinant of cognitive function, its role in determining Black-White disparities in cognitive function is unclear. This may be due, in part, to data limitations that have made it difficult to account for systemic educational inequities in the Jim Crow South experienced by older cohorts, including differences in the number of days Black students attended school compared to their White counterparts or Black peers in better funded southern states. We determine if accounting for differential rates of school attendance across race, years, and states in the Jim Crow South better illuminates Black-White disparities in trajectories of cognitive function.

METHODS: We linked historical state-level data on school attendance from the 1919/20 to 1953/54 Biennial Surveys of Education to the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of U.S. adults over age 50. We restricted our sample to Black and White older adults who attended school in the Jim Crow South and began primary school in/after 1919/20 and completed primary/secondary school by 1953/1954 (n=4,343). We used linear mixed models to estimate trajectories of total cognitive function, episodic memory, and working memory.

RESULTS: Self-reported years of schooling explained 28-33\% of the Black-White disparity in level of cognitive function, episodic memory, and working memory. Duration of school, a measure that accounted for differential rates of school attendance, explained 41-55\% of the Black-White disparity in these outcomes.

DISCUSSION: Our study highlights the importance of using a more refined measure of schooling for understanding the education--cognitive health relationship.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Education, historical data, life course, Racial Disparities, school segregation}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbac026}, author = {Katrina M Walsemann and Urena, Stephanie and Mateo P Farina and Jennifer A Ailshire} } @article {doi:10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.12087, title = {Trajectory of aging following diagnosis of cancer.}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Oncology}, volume = {40}, year = {2022}, pages = {12087-12087}, abstract = {Background: Aging is a nebulous concept with several definitions, but they all generally include physical and cognitive decline in function as a key component. We hypothesized that following cancer diagnosis, patients decline in physical and cognitive function would correspond with accelerated and/or accentuated aging trajectories. The magnitude of the functional changes could inform strategies to minimize impact of cancer diagnosis on trajectory of aging. Methods: We analyzed 32,935 participants >50 years enrolled between 1995-2018 in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a population-based, biennial longitudinal health interview survey of older adults in the United States. We assessed the changes in physical and cognitive function among cancer patients controlling for their pre-cancer trajectories and comparing it with aged population with no cancer diagnosis as control. The primary outcomes were change in physical function (Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL): range 0{\textendash}11) and global cognitive function (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS): range 0{\textendash}27). The secondary outcome was change in self-rated health (SRH: range 1-5). We estimated the effect of acute change based on the immediate post-cancer outcome measurements compared to the trajectories before cancer; and the long-term effect as the per-year change in outcome decline post cancer compared to aging of cancer-free respondents adjusting covariates by linear mixed models. Results: 5,101 developed incident cancer: 1,514 in the 50-64 age group, 1,901 in the 65-74 age group, and 1,686 in the 75+ age group. 27,834 participants were cancer-free throughout. Cancer was associated with acute declines in physical function (0.06 [0.01{\textendash} 0.10] and 0.25 [0.14{\textendash} 0.36] points), cognitive function (0.22 [0.04{\textendash}0.39] and 0.24 [0.01{\textendash} 0.46] points), and SRH (0.19 [0.14{\textendash}0.23] and 0.22 [0.12{\textendash}0.33] points) for age of onset groups 50- and 75+ respectively. Moreover, participants with cancer demonstrated accelerated decline in physical function (0.02 [0.01{\textendash}0.03], and 0.06 [0.05{\textendash}0.07] points per year faster for 50-74 and 75+ age-of-onset groups respectively) compared to cancer-free participants, but not in cognitive and SRH. Lung, colorectal \& breast cancer were associated with the highest acute and accelerated decline in functions, while prostate cancer was associated with moderate and insignificant decline. Conclusions: Using 24 years of nationally representative longitudinal data, this study provides, for the first time, evidence for the heterogeneous aging trajectories of cancer patients across varying age-of-onset and cancer types. Our results supported an accelerated aging trajectory of physical function with increased acceleration with increasing age-of-onset compared to the non-cancer population. It also provides evidence for accentuated aging trajectories of cognitive function and self-rated health.}, keywords = {ADL, cancer diagnosis, cognitive function, IADL, Physical function}, doi = {10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.12087}, author = {Simons, Morgan and Lyu, Chen and Osman, Iman and Zhong, Hua} } @article {11914, title = {The Cost of Worrying About an Epidemic: Ebola Concern and Cognitive Function in the US}, number = {120}, year = {2021}, institution = {ECONtribute}, abstract = {Do emotional responses to the spread of an infectious disease affect the quality of economic decision-making? In the context of an episode of heightened public concern about Ebola in the US in October 2014, I document that worrying about the possibility of an epidemic can impair cognitive function. My analysis relies on data from cognitive tests administered as part of a wave of survey interviews by a large US panel study, which I combine with measures of local concern about Ebola based on internet search volume. For identification, I exploit temporal and spatial variation in Ebola concern caused by the emergence of four cases of Ebola that were diagnosed in the US. Using proximity to the US cases as an instrumental variable, I show that the local level of Ebola concern individuals are exposed to at the time and place of the interview reduces their scores on the cognitive test. In additional analyses, I find no indication of fear-induced selection effects that could plausibly explain these results. Moreover, proximity to subsequent Ebola locations is unrelated to test scores for interviews conducted before the emergence of the first US case. My findings indicate that emotional responses to epidemics can entail a temporary cognitive cost even for individuals for whom the actual health risk never materializes.}, keywords = {cognitive function, Ebola, Emotions, Epidemics, Fear, Worry}, url = {https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkdps/ECONtribute_120_2021.pdf}, author = {Apenbrink, Christian} } @article {11726, title = {Does postponing retirement affect cognitive function? A counterfactual experiment to disentangle life course risk factors}, journal = {SSM - Population Health}, volume = {15}, year = {2021}, pages = {100855}, abstract = {Evidence suggests that contemporaneous labor force participation affects cognitive function; however, it is unclear whether it is employment itself or endogenous factors related to individuals{\textquoteright} likelihood of employment that protects against cognitive decline. We exploit innovations in counterfactual causal inference to disentangle the effect of postponing retirement on later-life cognitive function from the effects of other life-course factors. With the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (1996{\textendash}2014, n = 20,469), we use the parametric g-formula to estimate the effect of postponing retirement to age 67. We also study whether the benefit of postponing retirement is affected by gender, education, and/or occupation, and whether retirement affects cognitive function through depressive symptoms or comorbidities. We find that postponing retirement is protective against cognitive decline, accounting for other life-course factors (population: 0.34, 95\% confidence interval (CI): 0.20,0.47; individual: 0.43, 95\% CI: 0.26,0.60). The extent of the protective effect depends on subgroup, with the highest educated experiencing the greatest mitigation of cognitive decline (individual: 50\%, 95\% CI: 32\%,71\%). By using innovative models that better reflect the empirical reality of interconnected life-course processes, this work makes progress in understanding how retirement affects cognitive function.}, keywords = {Causal inference, cognitive function, Labor force participation, life course, Retirement}, isbn = {2352-8273}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100855}, author = {Jo Mhairi Hale and Maarten J. Bijlsma and Angelo Lorenti} } @article {12218, title = {Effects of the Co-occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus and Tooth Loss on Cognitive Function.}, journal = {Current Alzheimer Research}, volume = {18}, year = {2021}, pages = {1023-1031}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and poor oral health are common chronic conditions and risk factors of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementia among older adults. This study assessed the effects of DM and complete tooth loss (TL) on cognitive function, accounting for their interactions.

METHODS: Longitudinal data were obtained from the 2006, 2012, and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. This cohort study included 7,805 respondents aged 65 years or older with 18,331 person-year observations. DM and complete TL were self-reported. Cognitive function was measured by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Random-effect regressions were used to test the associations, overall and stratified by sex.

RESULTS: Compared with older adults without neither DM nor complete TL, those with both conditions (b = -1.35, 95\% confidence interval [CI]: -1.68, -1.02), with complete TL alone (b = -0.67, 95\% CI: -0.88, -0.45), or with DM alone (b = -0.40, 95\% CI: -0.59, -0.22), had lower cognitive scores. The impact of having both conditions was significantly greater than that of having DM alone (p < .001) or complete TL alone (p = 0.001). Sex-stratified analyses showed the effects were similar in males and females, except having DM alone was not significant in males.

CONCLUSION: The co-occurrence of DM and complete TL poses an additive risk for cognition. Healthcare and family-care providers should pay attention to the cognitive health of patients with both DM and complete TL. Continued efforts are needed to improve older adults{\textquoteright} access to dental care, especially for individuals with DM.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Dementia, Diabetes, effects of co-occurrence, Population, Tooth Loss}, issn = {1875-5828}, doi = {10.2174/1567205019666211223093057}, author = {Luo, Huabin and Tan, Chenxin and Adhikari, Samrachana and Brenda L Plassman and Kamer, Angela R and Frank A Sloan and Schwartz, Mark D and Qi, Xiang and Bei Wu} } @mastersthesis {11780, title = {THE INFLUENCE OF SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULT DYADS}, volume = {M.S.}, year = {2021}, school = {University of Missouri-Columbia}, address = {Columbia, MO}, abstract = {Older adults who report negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) perform worse on memory tests and perceive their memory abilities to be worse than their counterparts who report positive SPA. Research suggests that romantic partners influence one another{\textquoteright}s experience and appraisal of aging. Thus, this study examined whether individuals{\textquoteright} SPA impacted their own and their partner{\textquoteright}s memory longitudinally. Using three waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we conducted actor-partner interdependence models with 933 married or cohabiting couples aged 50 to 88 to determine whether positive and negative dimensions of SPA influenced change in episodic memory (i.e., immediate and delayed recall) and self-rated memory over eight years. Partners{\textquoteright} SPA were positively correlated at baseline (positive = .393, p < .001; negative = .441, p < .001), however, we did not find evidence that SPA was associated with change in episodic or self-rated memory in either the actor or the partner. These findings indicate that individuals{\textquoteright} SPA is related to their partners{\textquoteright}, but researchers should continue to investigate the degree to which social influences of SPA impact cognitive functioning in older adulthood.}, keywords = {Aging, cognitive function, Self-perception}, url = {https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/85861/SkoblowHamamoriResearch.pdf?sequence=1}, author = {Skoblow, Hanamori F} } @article {11218, title = {Internet Adoption in Older Adults: Findings from the Health and Retirement Study.}, journal = {Cyberpsychol, Behavior, and Social Networking}, volume = {24}, year = {2021}, pages = {101-107}, abstract = {

Being able to use the Internet is becoming increasingly important in today{\textquoteright}s digitized society. Evidence suggests that older adults are at risk of being left behind by technological developments. We examined Internet adoption in older adults in relation to sociodemographic, health, cognitive, social, and personality factors. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study ( = 5,949; 61 percent women; age: = 72 years, standard deviation [] = 7; range = 50-105). Internet use was examined over an 8-year period. Predictors were assessed at baseline. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to examine how predictors were related to Internet adoption during the study period. Overall, 1,296 out of 5,949 participants (22 percent) reported starting to use the Internet during the study period. Our findings revealed that younger age, higher education, higher income, living with a partner, and better cognitive performance were associated with a higher likelihood of Internet adoption, whereas being Black was associated with a lower likelihood. Openness was associated with a higher likelihood of Internet adoption over the study period. Our findings add to the literature on the role of sociodemographic, cognitive, and health factors in older adults{\textquoteright} Internet use. In addition, we show that personality also predicts older adults{\textquoteright} Internet use.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, Internet use, Personality, Successful aging, Technology}, issn = {2152-2723}, doi = {10.1089/cyber.2019.0736}, author = {Macdonald, Birthe and H{\"u}l{\"u}r, Gizem} } @article {11694, title = {A national longitudinal study of marital quality and cognitive decline among older men and women}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine}, volume = {282}, year = {2021}, pages = {114151}, abstract = {We provide one of the first national longitudinal studies of the association between trajectories of marital quality and cognitive functioning among older adults, with close attention paid to gender differences. Data were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2006{\textendash}2016. Marital quality trajectories were assessed at three waves: 2006/2008, 2010/2012, and 2014/2016. Cognitive trajectories were assessed at five waves: 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. The final analytic sample included 7901 respondents age 50 and older (4334 men and 3567 women) who were either married or cohabiting during the study period. Results from parallel linear growth curve models suggest that among older adults, initial positive marital quality was associated with better initial cognition, and initial negative marital quality was associated with worse initial cognition. Results from multiple group analysis further suggest that marital quality was significantly associated with men{\textquoteright}s cognitive trajectories but not women{\textquoteright}s. Among men, an increase in positive marital quality was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline, whereas an increase in negative marital quality was associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline. These findings suggest that older men who experience a decline in marital quality may be vulnerable to cognitive decline and that reducing marital strain and improving marital quality may protect men{\textquoteright}s cognitive health in later life.}, keywords = {Aging, cognitive function, gender, Marital quality}, isbn = {0277-9536}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114151}, author = {Liu, Hui and Zhang, Zhenmei and Zhang, Yan} } @article {12057, title = {Oral Health, Cognitive Function, and Mortality: Findings From National Surveys}, journal = {Innovation in Aging}, volume = {5}, year = {2021}, pages = {206}, abstract = {Poor oral health, diabetes mellitus (DM), and cognitive impairment are common problems in older adults. Using national surveys, this symposium aims to present new findings regarding the impact of the co-occurrence of DM and poor oral health on cognitive function, cognitive decline, and mortality. This symposium will also cover the topic of dental care use among adult populations in the U.S. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (2006- 2018), the first study shows that adults with both DM and edentulism had the worst cognitive function, followed by those with edentulism alone, and those with DM alone. Using the same HRS data, the second study found that co-occurrence of DM and edentulism had a higher risk of more rapid cognitive decline with advancing age than the presence of each condition alone. The third study used data from the 2006-2016 HRS linked with mortality files, and revealed that the risk of diabetes and edentulism on mortality may vary across racial/ethnic groups. Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (2002-2018), the fourth study examined disparities of dental service utilization among racial/ethnic groups (Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, American Indians or Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders). Age differences in dental services were also compared between older adults and other younger and middle-aged populations. This symposium highlights the role of oral health in improving cognitive health. Policies and programs are needed to increase dental care access, a critical way to help maintain good oral health.}, keywords = {cognitive function, Mortality, Oral Health}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.790}, author = {Bei Wu and Keepper, Susie and Saunders, Michele} } @mastersthesis {11621, title = {Perceived Neighborhood Char ed Neighborhood Characteristics and Cognitiv acteristics and Cognitive Function unction among Older Adults: Examining the Role of Depression }, volume = {MPH}, year = {2021}, school = {Xavier University of Louisiana}, address = {New Orleans, LA}, abstract = {Purpose: African American older adults have a greater risk of cognitive impairment compared to White older adults. While some research has established that neighborhoods are an important determinant of health, relatively little research has examined the relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning among older adults. Moreover, little is known about how depression is implicated in the relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning, and if racial differences exist. Thus, this thesis aims to determine the mediating and moderating role of depression in the association between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning in older African American and White adults. Methods: I used data from the Health and Retirement Study and limited the sample to older Black and White adults age >=65 years (n=7,620). Cognitive functioning was measured using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (range: 0-35), with higher scores indicating better cognitive functioning. Depression was measured as a dichotomous variable using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Depression scores ranged from 0 to 8 and the >=3 cutoff was used to categorize adults with depression. Neighborhood perceptions of safety, cleanliness, and social cohesion were measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 7 with higher scores indicating worse perceptions. Linear regression models stratified by race were used to determine if depression played a mediating role in the relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics (safety, social cohesion, and cleanliness) and cognitive functioning. The moderating role of depression was also examined using interaction terms with each neighborhood characteristic and depression. Results: The results indicated that there is a negative relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning among White older adults. Depression moderates the relationship between neighborhood characteristics (cleanliness, discohension) and cognitive functioning among White older adults. However, there was no moderating effect of depression among African American older adults. However, after controlling for neighborhood characteristics and other covariates, depression was associated with worse cognitive functioning. Discussion/Conclusion: Depression is associated with worse cognitive functioning for both African American and White adults. Among White older adults with depression, there was a more pronounced negative association between neighborhood perceptions and cognitive functioning compared to those without depression. However, depression in African Americans was associated with worse cognitive functioning after controlling for neighborhood characteristics and other covariates. Therefore, depression is directly related to worse cognitive functioning in older adults.}, keywords = {cognitive function, depression, Neighborhood characteristics, race}, url = {https://digitalcommons.xula.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1052\&context=etd}, author = {Allison R Sullivan} } @article {11371, title = {The relational genomics of cognitive function: A longitudinal study}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine}, volume = {270}, year = {2021}, pages = {113698}, abstract = {ObjectivesResearch in social genetics indicates a person{\textquoteright}s genome may influence outcomes of those in close relationships. Implications for cognitive function remain unexplored. The current study examined such {\textquotedblleft}metagenomic{\textquotedblright} patterns among older U.S. couples.MethodsData were from married or cohabiting couples in the 2006{\textendash}2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, nationally representative of U.S. adults over 50. Measures included cognitive function as well as separate polygenic scores for cognition and for educational attainment. Analysis was through parallel process latent growth models.ResultsConsistent with a recent {\textquotedblleft}genetic externalities{\textquotedblright} conception, one partner{\textquoteright}s polygenic score for educational attainment was linked to the other{\textquoteright}s baseline levels of cognitive function. Contrary to relational moderation speculations, neither a partner{\textquoteright}s genetic scores nor educational attainment altered individual-level genetic influences.DiscussionFindings add to the growing evidence that transpersonal genetic influences in one{\textquoteright}s proximal context have substantively important implications. Research is needed on the role of non-partnership ties in channeling such effects. Implications for life course theory are discussed.}, keywords = {cognitive function, Educational attainment, Metagenomics, Polygenic}, isbn = {0277-9536}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113698}, author = {Aniruddha Das} } @article {11708, title = {Research on Family Relationship and Cognitive Function among Older Hispanic Americans: Empirical Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study}, journal = {Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences}, volume = {43}, year = {2021}, pages = {95-113}, abstract = {The current study aimed to investigate the associations between family relationship and cognitive function among Hispanic older population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with a sample size of 1,580 individuals from the Health and Retirement Study in the United States (mean age?=?65.65 (SD?=?9.33)). Family relationship was measured in three dimensions: structural, functional, and appraisal support. The results of linear regression analysis indicated that diverse composition of family network (??=?.070, p?=?.009) and receiving financial support from family members (??=?.060, p?=?.018) were associated with better cognitive function. Moderation analyses demonstrated that these associations were greater for Hispanic women than men. Current findings highlight the importance of family relationship on cognitive function among Hispanic older population and suggest that researchers and policymakers should put emphasis on the structural and functional aspects of family relationship to improve their cognitive health.}, keywords = {cognitive function, family relationship, gender, Hispanics}, isbn = {0739-9863}, doi = {10.1177/07399863211025419}, author = {Xiao, Chunhui and Mao, Shan and Jia, Siming and Lu, Nan} } @inbook {Lincoln202163, title = {Social Network Typology and Cognitive Status Among African Americans: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study}, booktitle = {Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 41, 2021: Black Older Adults in the Era of Black Lives Matter}, volume = {41}, year = {2021}, pages = {63 {\textendash} 84}, publisher = {Springer Publishing Company}, organization = {Springer Publishing Company}, chapter = {3}, abstract = {Social network diversity has been linked to cognitive status in older adults. While social network diversity is often operationalized by the proportion of social roles represented within one{\textquoteright}s network, the additive effect of social roles is often unrecognized. Moreover, very few studies examine social relationships and cognitive status among African American older adults-a population with a high risk of cognitive impairment. The current study examined the relationship between social network diversity and cognitive status in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older African Americans. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 2, 308) and latent class analysis were used to identify a social network typology using children, extended family members, and friends as social network indicators. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between social network types and cognitive status. Three social network types were identified-friend-focused, diverse, and restricted network types. African Americans with higher cognitive status were more likely to be assigned to the friend-focused social network type rather than the diverse or restricted network types. Neither the diverse nor restricted social network types were associated with cognitive status. A social network typology accounted for heterogeneity within the social networks of African American middle-aged and older adults and identified a unique social network type that appears to be protective for their cognitive health. Findings have implications for the measurement and operationalization of social networks and cognitive status and the role of social networks in maintaining cognitive functioning in African Americans. }, keywords = {African Americans, cognitive function, cognitive impairment, Network diversity, Social networks, Social Support}, issn = {978-082616632-6, 978-082616631-9}, doi = {10.1891/0198-8794.41.63}, author = {Lincoln, Karen D. and Nguyen, Ann W.} } @article {11559, title = {Trajectories of Multiple Behavioral Risk Factors and Their Associations With Cognitive Function Trajectories Among Older African Americans and White Americans.}, journal = {Journal of Aging and Health}, volume = {33}, year = {2021}, pages = {674-684}, abstract = {

This study examined the joint trajectories of behavioral risk factors (smoking, alcohol drinking, and body mass index) and their associations with cognitive function trajectories among older African Americans and white Americans. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2014) were used. Group-based mixture modeling and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed. Three joint trajectories of behavioral risk factors (overweight, smoking and drinking, and drinking and overweight) and three cognitive function trajectories (low, moderate, and high) were identified. A significantly higher percentage of African Americans were in the "overweight," "smoking and drinking," and "low" cognitive functioning groups as measured by the total cognition composite score compared to white Americans. After accounting for covariates, the "drinking and overweight" group was associated with the "moderate" or "high" cognitive functioning group. Future interventions targeting the combinations of behavioral risk factors are needed to promote healthy aging among high-risk populations.

}, keywords = {behavioral risk factor, cognitive function, Health Disparities}, issn = {1552-6887}, doi = {10.1177/08982643211005905}, author = {Li, Chien-Ching and Chen, Yi-Fan and Jersey Liang and Alicia K Matthews and Lisa L. Barnes} } @article {11244, title = {You say tomato, I say radish: can brief cognitive assessments in the US Health Retirement Study be harmonized with its International Partner Studies?}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {76}, year = {2021}, pages = {1767-1776}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the extent to which brief cognitive assessments administered in the population-representative US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its International Partner Studies can be considered to be measuring a single, unidimensional latent cognitive function construct.

METHOD: Cognitive function assessments were administered in face-to-face interviews in 12 studies in 26 countries (N=155,690), including the US HRS and selected International Partner Studies. We used the time point of first cognitive assessment for each study to minimize differential practice effects across studies, and documented cognitive test item coverage across studies. Using confirmatory factor analysis models, we estimated single factor general cognitive function models, and bifactor models representing memory-specific and non-memory-specific cognitive domains for each study. We evaluated model fits and factor loadings across studies.

RESULTS: Despite relatively sparse and inconsistent cognitive item coverage across studies, all studies had some cognitive test items in common with other studies. In all studies, the bifactor models with a memory-specific domain fit better than single factor general cognitive function models. The data fit the models at reasonable thresholds for single factor models in six of the 12 studies, and for the bifactor models in all 12 of the 12 studies.

DISCUSSION: The cognitive assessments in the US HRS and its International Partner Studies reflect comparable underlying cognitive constructs. We discuss the assumptions underlying our methods, present alternatives, and future directions for cross-national harmonization of cognitive aging data.

}, keywords = {cognitive function, health survey, international comparison, item response theory, statistical harmonization}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbaa205}, author = {Lindsay C Kobayashi and Alden L Gross and Laura E Gibbons and Tommet, Doug and Sanders, R Elizabeth and Choi, Seo-Eun and Mukherjee, Shubhabrata and M. Maria Glymour and Jennifer J Manly and Lisa F Berkman and Paul K Crane and Mungas, Dan M and Richard N Jones} } @article {10896, title = {Age of Migration and Cognitive Function Among Older Latinos in the United States}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s Disease}, volume = {76}, year = {2020}, pages = {1493-1511}, abstract = {Background: Age of migration has been shown to have a robust association with Latino immigrant health outcomes; however, the relationship between timing of migration and cognition is less understood. Objective: To examine associations between race/ethnicity, nativity, age of migration, and cognitive aging among US-born (USB) non-Latino Whites (NLW) and USB and foreign-born Latinos 50 years and older. Methods: We used longitudinal biennial data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006-2014) to fit generalized linear and linear latent growth curve models for: 1) global cognition (Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status; TICS-M); 2) memory and attention subdomains of TICS-M; and 3) cognitive dysfunction. We also tested for sex modifications. Results: In age and sex adjusted models, all Latino subgroups, independent of nativity and age of migration, had lower global and domain-specific cognitive scores and higher propensity of cognitive impairment classification compared to USB-NLWs. Differences between USB Latinos, but not other Latino subgroups, and USB-NLWs remained after full covariate adjustment. Latinas, independent of nativity or age of migration, had poorer cognitive scores relative to NLW females. Differences between all Latinos and USB-NLWs were principally expressed at baseline. Racial/ethnic, nativity, and age of migration grouping was not associated with slope (nor explained variance) of cognitive decline. Conclusion: Older US-born Latinos, regardless of sex exhibit poorer cognitive function than older USB-NLWs and foreign-born Latinos. Social determinants that differentially affect cognitive function, particularly those that compensate for education and sex differences among US-born Latinos and foreign-born Latinos, require further exploration.}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias, cognitive function, Immigration, Latino, nativity, Sex differences}, isbn = {1875-8908}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-191296}, author = {Marc Garcia and Ortiz, Kasim and Ar{\'e}valo, Sandra P. and Diminich, Erica D. and Emily Brice{\~n}o and Vega, Irving E. and Wassim Tarraf} } @article { ISI:000513036800001, title = {Cognitive disparities between US- and foreign-born individuals}, journal = {JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH-HEIDELBERG}, year = {2020}, type = {Article; Early Access}, abstract = {Aim This study aims to assess whether heterogeneity in cognitive functioning trajectories differ across racial/ethnic and nativity (REN) groups, as well as if gender, level of education, physical comorbidities, history of health behaviors, and functional limitations reflect the processes associated with cumulative advantage (disadvantage), persistent inequality, and age as leveler. Methods The empirical work of this study is based on the 1996-2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Growth curve modeling is used to assess the aims of this study. Results Long-term change in cognitive functioning trajectories are shaped along REN lines. US-born whites have significantly better cognitive function but experience a faster rate of cognitive deterioration than foreign-born whites, as well as foreign- and US-born blacks, Mexicans, other Hispanics, and other racial ethnic groups, even after taking gender, level of education, health behaviors, and the relevant chronic and physical health conditions into account. Conclusion There is a pressing need for more culturally appropriate and culturally adapted programs and preventive strategies that take the cultural, linguistic, and other specific needs and issues of individuals in different REN groups into account. There remains a pressing need for an integrated treatment and screening for physical comorbidities, functional limitations, and cognitive interventions.}, keywords = {Aging, cognitive function, Growth curve modeling, Health and Retirement Study}, issn = {2198-1833}, doi = {10.1007/s10389-020-01218-x}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007\%2Fs10389-020-01218-x}, author = {Hui-Peng Liew} } @article {11326, title = {A Comparison of Cognitive Function in Pine Study to Health and Retirement Study \& CHARLS Study}, journal = {Innovation in Aging}, volume = {4}, year = {2020}, pages = {924}, abstract = {Healthy immigrant theory assumes that immigrants have better health than natives, while it remains unclear whether this theory applies to older Chinese Americans with respect to cognitive health. The objective of this study was to estimate the differences in cognitive function between the US and Chinese older adults. PINE (n=3,157) (2011-2013) with Chinese older adults was compared to HRS study (2010-2011) (n=22,034) and HRS sister CHARLS (n=17,708) (2010-2011). Cognitive function was assessed by episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and MMSE. Cognition impairment was defined by 1.5 standard deviations below mean of z scores. After 1:1 matched samples determined by propensity score and verified by McNemar and Cohen{\textquoteright}s Kappa test, conditional logistic regression model with demographic variables controlled was used to assess the differences between the three studies. Multivariable analyses results showed that participants from PINE are 5.667 (OR= 5.667, 95\% CI 3.893-8.248, p < .001) times more likely to have cognitive impairment in comparison to HRS{\textquoteright}s and 0.166 (OR= 0.166, 95\% CI 0.136-0.203, p < .001) times less likely in comparison to CHARLS{\textquoteright}s. Result demonstrated that Chinese older adults living in the US have a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment in comparison to the US older adults but less likely than those living in China. Healthy immigrant theory is partially supported in Chinese Americans. Immigrants with better cognitive health are likely to migrate to the US, but limited social engagement in the receiving communities might be a risk factor for cognitive function, leading to worse cognitive health than natives.}, keywords = {CHARLS, Chinese Americans, cognitive function}, isbn = {2399-5300}, doi = {10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3390}, author = {Verma, Charu and Zhang, Mailun and Li, Mengting and Bergren, Stephanie and Dong, XinQi} } @article {10929, title = {Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level, Race/Ethnicity, and Cognition in Midlife and Early Old Age}, journal = {Research in Human Development}, volume = {17}, year = {2020}, pages = {20 - 40}, abstract = {Empirical evidence linking racial/ethnic differences in glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) to cognitive function in midlife and early old age is limited. We use biomarker data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2006?2014), on adults 50?64 years at baseline (57?73 years by 2014), and fit multinomial logistic regression models to assess the association between baseline HbA1c, cognitive function (using Langa?Weir classifications) and mortality across 8 years. Additionally, we test for modification effects by race/ethnicity. In age- and sex-adjusted models high HbA1c level was associated with lower baseline cognition and higher relative risk ratios (RRR; vs. normal cognition) for cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND; RRR = 2.3; 95\%CI = [1.38;3.84]; p < .01), and dementia (RRR = 4.00; 95\%CI = [1.76;9.10]; p < .01). Adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioral risk factors, and other health conditions explained the higher RRR for CIND and attenuated the RRR for dementia by approximately 30\%. HbA1c levels were not linked to the slope of cognitive decline, and we found no evidence of modification effects for HbA1c by race/ethnicity. Targeting interventions for glycemic control in the critical midlife period can protect baseline cognition and buffer against downstream development of cognitive impairment. This can yield important public health benefits and reductions in burdens associated with cognitive impairment, particularly among race/ethnic minorities who are at higher risk for metabolic diseases.}, keywords = {biomarker data, cognitive function, Racial/ethnic differences}, isbn = {1542-7609}, doi = {10.1080/15427609.2020.1743810}, author = {Ortiz, Kasim and Marc Garcia and Emily Brice{\~n}o and Diminich, Erica D. and Ar{\'e}valo, Sandra P. and Vega, Irving E. and Wassim Tarraf} } @article {10879, title = {Sleep Difficulties and Cognition over a 10-Year Period in a National Sample of U.S. Older Adults}, journal = {Innovation in Aging}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Sleep difficulties are common among older adults and are associated with cognitive decline. We used data from a large, nationally representative longitudinal survey of adults over the age of 50 in the U.S. to examine the relationship between specific sleep difficulties and cognitive function over time.Longitudinal data from the 2004-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study were used in the current study. We examined sleep difficulties and cognitive function within participants and across time (n=16,201). Sleep difficulty measures included difficulty initiating sleep, nocturnal awakenings, early morning awakenings, and waking feeling rested from rarely/never (1) to most nights (3). The modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) was used to measure cognitive function. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were used with time varying covariates to examine the relationship between sleep difficulties and cognitive function over time.In covariate-adjusted models, compared to {\textquotedblleft}never{\textquotedblright} reporting sleep difficulty, difficulty initiating sleep {\textquotedblleft}most nights{\textquotedblright} was associated with worse cognitive function over time (Year 2014: b=-0.40, 95\%CI: -0.63 to -0.16, p\<.01) as was difficulty waking up too early {\textquotedblleft}most nights{\textquotedblright} (Year 2014: b=-0.31, 95\%CI: -0.56 to -0.07, p\<.05). In covariate-adjusted analyses, compared to {\textquotedblleft}never{\textquotedblright} reporting waking up feeling rested, cognitive function was higher among those who reported waking up feeling rested {\textquotedblleft}some nights{\textquotedblright} (Year 2010: b=0.21, 95\%CI: 0.02 to 0.40, p\<.05).Our findings highlight an association between early morning awakenings and worse cognitive function, but also an association between waking feeling rested and better cognitive function over time.Sleep difficulties are common among older adults yet reduce quality of life and also contribute to the development of and potentially accelerate cognitive decline. This study examines specific sleep difficulties (e.g., difficulty falling asleep) and their unique relationship to cognition over time among older adults in the U.S. The primary aim of this work is to illuminate the specific sleep difficulties that are most concerning from the standpoint of cognitive impairment so as to inform the design of future tailored sleep improvement programs for older adults.}, keywords = {cognitive function, Gerontology, healthy aging, Sleep, Translational medicine}, isbn = {2399-5300}, doi = {10.1093/geroni/igaa025}, author = {Robbins, Rebecca and Amanda Sonnega and Robert W. Turner and Jean-Louis, Girardin and Butler, Mark and Osorio, Ricardo M and Kenneth M. Langa} } @mastersthesis {10237, title = {Comparing Cognitive Functioning in White Mexican/Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic White Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes.}, volume = {Master of Science}, year = {2019}, month = {2019}, pages = {49}, school = {University of North Texas}, address = {Denton, TX}, abstract = {To better understand the impact of type 2 diabetes, the relationship between ethnicity, specifically Mexican/Mexican American ethnicity, and the disease must be further investigated. This study specifically examined the cognitive impact of type 2 diabetes. Data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study was used to compare the cognitive functioning of non-Hispanic White (n = 10,658) and White Mexican/Mexican American (n = 847) individuals, age 50+ years, with and without type 2 diabetes. Serial 7{\textquoteright}s and immediate and delayed recall{\textemdash}hypothesized to be more negatively affected by type 2 diabetes and Mexican American status{\textemdash}was compared controlling for age, education, and depression. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated significant main effects for race/ethnicity (F(3,11496) = 11.15, p < .001) and diabetes status (F(3,11496) = 3.15, p < .024), with Mexican Americans and those with diabetes having worse cognitive performance. There were significant effects for all covariates. A step-wise multiple regression indicated that education, age, depression, race/ethnicity and diabetes status accounted for a combined 28.4\% of variance in a cognitive performance composite. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.}, keywords = {Clinical Psychology, cognitive function, Diabetes, ethnicity, mexican american, Psychology}, url = {https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1538649/$\#$description-content-main}, author = {Saldana, Samantha Lee} } @article {Sutin2019, title = {Five-factor model personality traits and cognitive function in five domains in older adulthood}, journal = {BMC Geriatrics}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, month = {Dec}, pages = {343}, abstract = {Background Five-factor model (FFM) personality traits have been associated consistently with risk of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Less is known about how these traits are associated with functioning in specific domains of cognitive function in older adulthood. Methods Participants (N = 2865) were drawn from the 2016 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol sub-study of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks that measured performance in five domains: Memory (eight tasks), speed-attention-executive (five tasks), visuospatial ability (three tasks), fluency (one task), and numeric reasoning (one task). Participants completed an FFM personality measure as part of the regular HRS assessment in either 2014 or 2016. Linear regression was used to examine the association between the traits and each cognitive task and composite scores for the five domains, controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education. We also tested whether the associations were moderated by these sociodemographic factors or mental status. Results Neuroticism was associated with worse performance on all of the cognitive tasks. Conscientiousness was associated with better performance across all five cognitive domains, although not necessarily with every task. Openness and Agreeableness were associated with better performance in all domains, except for numeric reasoning. Extraversion was associated with better speed-attention-executive and fluency. There was no robust evidence that the association between personality and cognition was moderated by sociodemographic characteristics or global cognitive function. Conclusions Personality traits have pervasive associations with functioning across five cognitive domains. Consistent with the literature on personality and risk of ADRD, Neuroticism and Conscientiousness were associated with cognitive performance in the expected direction in all domains. Extraversion was the only trait that showed domain-specific associations. The present research supports models of personality and health in the context of cognition and suggests that personality is associated with intermediate markers of cognitive health.}, keywords = {Cognition, cognitive function, five-factor model, Personality}, issn = {1471-2318}, doi = {10.1186/s12877-019-1362-1}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1362-1}, author = {Angelina R Sutin and Yannick Stephan and Martina Luchetti and Antonio Terracciano} } @mastersthesis {10255, title = {Childhood and Adulthood Stress Exposures in Relation to Late-Life Cognitive Function: A Life Course Perspective.}, volume = {Doctor of Philosophy}, year = {2018}, month = {03/2018}, pages = {397}, school = {University of Rochester}, address = {Monroe, NY}, abstract = {Background: Chronic stress exposures are believed to cause alterations in neurobiological systems as wells as structural atrophy in specific brain regions. Because of this dysregulation, stress exposures are associated with a wide range of health outcomes, in particular, cognitive function. Principles of life course epidemiology are needed to understand how stress exposures in different developmental periods are interrelated and how these processes may influence late-life cognitive function. Methods: Data from the publicly available 2008, 2010, and 2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to address Specific Aims 1 and 2. Participants who received the psychosocial lifetime questionnaire that included items on stress exposures will be identified. The HRS measured global cognitive function using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS). Bivariate analyses will compare mean TICS scores and the distributions of potential confounders across stress exposures in childhood and adulthood. Subsequently, multivariable analyses including mixed-effects linear regression models and marginal structural equation models for mediation will be used to assess the relationships between childhood and adulthood stress exposures and late-life cognitive function. Specific Aim 3 imputed domain specific cognitive function scores for HRS participants applying data fusion that will use the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III as the donor file. Linear regression models evaluated the association between childhood stress exposures and late-life domain specific cognitive function and whether these relationships are modified by social support. Results: A total of 3,433 participants met inclusion criteria. Both childhood and adulthood stress exposures were associated with late-life cognitive function. Only the childhood (and not the adulthood or total score) was associated with late-life cognitive function. Death of a child mediated the relationship between the childhood cumulative score and late-life cognitive function. Conclusions: Childhood stress exposures, in particular they accumulate, have the most detrimental effect on late-life cognitive function. Future endeavors may apply results from this dissertation to investigate biological mechanisms that may explain etiologic pathways that link stress exposures to cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease}, keywords = {Childhood, Cognition, cognitive function, life course perspective, Stress}, url = {http://hdl.handle.net/1802/33499} } @article {NBERw21484, title = {The Impact of Social Security Income on Cognitive Function at Older Ages}, journal = {American Journal of Health Economics}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Prior literature has documented a positive association between income and cognitive function at older ages, however, the extent to which this association represents causal effects is unknown. In this study, we use an exogenous change in Social Security income due to amendments to the Social Security Act in the 1970s to identify the causal impact of Social Security income on cognitive function of elderly individuals. We find that higher benefits led to significant improvements in cognitive function and that these improvements in cognition were clinically meaningful. Our results suggest that interventions even at advanced ages can slow the rate of decline in cognitive function.}, keywords = {Cognition, cognitive function, Social Security, Social Security Benefits}, doi = {10.3386/w21484}, url = {http://www.nber.org/papers/w21484}, author = {Padmaja Ayyagari and Frisvold, David} }