scholarly journals A Longitudinal Analysis of the Cognitive Function and Related Factors in Older Adults Using a Multilevel Growth Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 601-615
Author(s):  
Eunha Jo ◽  
Jee Eun Sung ◽  
Youngmee Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Growth Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Depression Level ◽  
Multilevel Growth Model ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine changes in the cognitive function of the elderly over time and to identify factors affecting the cognitive decline by dividing them into multidimensional factors such as socio-demographic factors, physical and mental health factors, hearing factors, and social contact factors.Methods: This study used the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). A multilevel growth model analysis was conducted on 992 elderly people aged 60 or older who had been measured repeatedly seven times from 2006 to 2018.Results: First, the results showed that the cognitive function of the elderly decreased linearly over the years. Second, the initial status of cognitive function decreased as the age increased and as education level and economic condition decreased. The change rate of the cognitive function increased as education level increased. Third, at each time point, depression level had a negative effect on cognitive function, and subjective hearing condition had a negative effect on cognitive function. These influences decreased over time.Conclusion: The lower the education level, the higher the depression level; and the worse the subjective hearing condition, the more likely the elderly are to experience cognitive decline. Because the impact on cognitive function is large in the early stages of depression and hearing loss, it is necessary to detect them early and to make appropriate intervention to prevent cognitive decline.

Cognition, loneliness and social isolation: A cross-national, longitudinal exploration

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T-V Hannemann ◽  
J Bristle ◽  
M Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cross National

Abstract Background One of the challenges to ageing individuals and health care systems is the decline in cognitive function with increasing age. The present study investigates in which way loneliness and social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in an aged population in Europe. Furthermore, it investigates how these relationships vary across different cultural and social settings. Methods The study employs panel data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Data from respondents aged 50+ from 16 European countries were collected from 2011-2017 at up to four points in time. Loneliness was operationalized as the perception of feeling lonely, while social isolation was operationalized by a summary index of social network size and social interaction. The cognitive function measures included tests of verbal fluency, as well as immediate and delayed recall. A linear panel fixed-effects modelling approach was used, while controlling for potential time-variant confounders from the areas of demographics, mental and physical health and survey methodological characteristics. Results Preliminary results show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with cognitive decline, while the extent varied by the measure of cognitive functioning measured. Loneliness, social isolation and cognition descriptively all show substantial cross-national variation. Conclusions The study illustrates the impact of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive functioning across a number of European countries. Cognitive functioning is an important determinant to successful ageing, preventing its decline promotes self-sufficient, independent living in the elderly and good quality end-of-life. This can support the development of implementable and accessible prevention for at risk individuals. Key messages Investigating the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the cognitive functioning can help tailor easily accessible prevention measures of cognitive decline in the elderly. The study allows for the assessment of cross-cultural differences and need for targeted measures across a number of European countries.

scholarly journals The Impact of early retirement, nation-related and personal characteristics on cognitive decline

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Carmel ◽  
A Tur-Sinai
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Early Retirement ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of cognitive decline (CD) in old age has become a global challenge. Our study aims to enhance understanding of this phenomenon by evaluating longitudinal effects of personal and national determinants on memory decline (MD) among European retirees. Methods We used data from two interviews collected in 12 European (EU) countries and in Israel by SHARE - a multidisciplinary, cross-national bank of survey data. Our sample included 11,930 retirees aged 50+ who were interviewed at baseline (T1) and again four years later (T2). MD was evaluated by the change in the recalled number of words at T2 compared to those remembered at T1. Ten words were presented at each interview and participants were asked to repeat them, first immediately and again after a few minutes (maximum 20 words). The scale for evaluation of change over time ranged from -20 to + 20. Results Except for gender, all of our explanatory variables had a significant effect on MD including age, education, health/function status, depressive symptoms, early retirement, active lifestyle and EU-countries divided into four geographical regions. Decline over time in physical and mental health variables had an additional significant negative effect on memory. Conclusions These findings lead us to suggest focusing on what we know and are able to change in order to postpone MD. In addition to promotion of national policies to prolong years of education and participation in the workforce, we recommend introducing programs that encourage people to postpone retirement, and adjusting workplace conditions in order to enable older persons to continue contributing to the workforce. We also suggest promoting an active lifestyle among older adults, especially in Mediterranean and eastern European nations by implementing health and active leisure education programs. Key messages Declines in health and functioning negatively affect memory, while education and active lifestyle have a protective effect. Moreover, early retirement has a similar negative effect on memory change in each of the studied EU-regions even when controlling for all of the personal and behavioral factors.

Effects of different antihypertensive medication groups on cognitive function in older patients: A systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Stuhec ◽  
J. Keuschler ◽  
J. Serra-Mestres ◽  
M. Isetta
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Chronic Hypertension ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackground:Chronic hypertension has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Although a link between hypertension and cognitive decline has been established, there is less evidence supported by systematic reviews. The main aim was to compare different antihypertensive drug groups in relation to their effect on cognition in older patients without established dementia using a systematic review.Method:A systematic search in Medline and Embase through to January 2017 was used to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) studying the impact of different antihypertensives on cognition in older patients without dementia. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), beta-blockers (BBs), diuretics, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were included in this review.Results:The systematic search identified 358 studies. The full text of 31 RCTs was reviewed and a total of 15 RCTs were included in the review. Most studies reported an improvement in episodic memory in patients treated with ARBs versus placebo or other types of antihypertensive drugs. No study showed an improvement in cognition in patients who received diuretics, BBs, or CCBs. Heterogeneity was high in most trials (predominantly in the blinding of participants and investigators).Conclusion:This review suggests that ARBs can improve cognitive functions in the elderly, especially episodic memory. ACE-Is, diuretics, BBs and CCBs did not seem to improve cognitive function in the elderly but were similarly effective in blood pressure lowering as ARBs.

scholarly journals The Impact of Leisure Activities on Older Adults’ Cognitive Function, Physical Function, and Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Sala ◽  
Daniela Jopp ◽  
Fernand Gobet ◽  
Madoka Ogawa ◽  
Yukie Masui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

Engagement in leisure activities has been claimed to be highly beneficial in the elderly. Practicing such activities is supposed to help older adults to preserve cognitive function, physical function, and mental health, and thus to contribute to successful aging. We built an SEM model analyzing the impact of leisure activities on these constructs in a large sample of Japanese older adults (N = 809; age range 72-74). The model exhibited an excellent fit (CFI = 1), and engaging in leisure activities was positively associated with all the three successful aging indicators.These findings corroborate previous research carried out in Western countries and extend its validity to the population of Eastern older adults. Albeit correlational in nature, these results suggest that active engagement in leisure activities can help older adults to maintain cognitive, physical, and mental health. Future research will clarify whether there is a causal relationship between engagement in leisure activities and successful aging.

Relation between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity: Results of the FréLE cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Dupré ◽  
N Barth ◽  
A El Moutawakkil ◽  
F Béland ◽  
F Roche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Global Test ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Few previous cohorts have studied the different type of physical activities and the degree of cognitive decline. The objective of this work was to analyze the leisure, domestic and professional activities with mild and moderate cognitive disorders in older people living in community. Methods The study used data from the longitudinal and observational study, FrèLE (FRagility: Longitudinal Study of Expressions). The collected data included: socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, and health status (frailty, comorbidities, cognitive status, depression). Cognitive decline was assessed by using: MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). MoCA was used with two cut-offs (26 and 17) so as to define mild and moderate cognitive disorders Physical activity was assessed by the PASE (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), structured in three sections: leisure, domestic and professional activities. Spline and proportional hazards regression models (Cox) were used to estimate the risk of cognitive disorders. Results At baseline, 1623 participants were included and the prevalence of cognitive disorders was 6.9% (MMSE) and 7.2% (MoCA), mild cognitive disorders was 71.3%. The mean age was 77 years, and 52% of the participants were women. After a 2 years long follow-up, we found 6.9% (MMSE) and 6% (MoCA) cognitive disorders on participants. Analyses showed that domestic activities were associated to cognitive decline (HR = 0.52 [0.28-0.94] for MMSE and HR = 0.48 [0.28-0.80] for MoCA). No association were found with leisure and professional activities, and no spline were significant with mild cognitive disorders. Conclusions Analysis showed a relationship between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity, thanks to the use of specific questionnaire of elderly and two global test of cognition. These findings will contribute to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. Key messages This work allowed to compare two test of cognition and their link with physical activity. It contributes to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.

scholarly journals The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and its Lockdown Measures on the Mental and Functional Health of Older Individuals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Chiara Fastame ◽  
Ilaria Mulas ◽  
Valeria Putzu ◽  
Gesuina Asoni ◽  
Daniela Viale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Cognitive Deterioration ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Healthy Participants

AbstractThe effect of the COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of Italian older individuals displaying signs of cognitive deterioration has not been deeply investigated. This longitudinal study examined the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the psychological well-being and motor efficiency of a sample of Italian community-dwellers with and without cognitive decline. Forty-seven participants underwent instrumental gait analysis performed in ecological setting using wearable sensors, and completed a battery of tasks assessing cognitive functioning and psychological well-being, before and after the full lockdown due to the COVID-19 spreading. A series of Multivariate Analyses of Variance (MANOVAs) documented that the superior gait performance of the cognitively healthy participants exhibited before the COVID-19 spread, vanished when they were tested at the end of the lockdown period. Moreover, before the outbreak of the COVID-19, cognitively healthy participants and those with signs of cognitive decline reported similar levels of psychological well-being, whereas, after the lockdown, the former group reported better coping, emotional competencies, and general well-being than the participants displaying signs of cognitive decline. In conclusion, the full COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on the mental and motor functioning of older individuals with and without signs of cognitive deterioration living in Italy.

scholarly journals Use of Music Therapy as an Audiological Rehabilitation Tool in the Elderly Population: A Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Grenier ◽  
Louise Lafontaine ◽  
Andréanne Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Impact

It is well known and documented that sensory perception decreases with age. In the elderly population, hearing loss and reduced vestibular function are among the most prevalently affected senses. Two important side effects of sensory deprivation are cognitive decline and decrease in social participation. Hearing loss, vestibular function impairment, and cognitive decline all lead to a decrease in social participation. Altogether, these problems have a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This is why a rehabilitation program covering all of these aspects would therefore be useful for clinicians. It is well known that long-term music training can lead to cortical plasticity. Behavioral improvements have been measured for cognitive abilities and sensory modalities (auditory, motor, tactile, and visual) in healthy young adults. Based on these findings, it is possible to wonder if this kind of multisensory training would be an interesting therapy to not only improve communication but also help with posture and balance, cognitive abilities, and social participation. The aim of this review is to assess and validate the impact of music therapy in the context of hearing rehabilitation in older adults. Musical therapy seems to have a positive impact on auditory perception, posture and balance, social integration, and cognition. While the benefits seem obvious, the evidence in the literature is scarce. However, there is no reason not to recommend the use of music therapy as an adjunct to audiological rehabilitation in the elderly when possible. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the extent of the benefits that music therapy could bring to older adults. More data are needed to confirm which hearing abilities can be improved based on the many characteristics of hearing loss. There is also a need to provide a clear protocol for clinicians on how this therapy should be administered to offer the greatest possible benefits.

scholarly journals Long-term effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive function in seniors: a cohort study in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizhen Han ◽  
Jinzhu Jia
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cox Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Rice Wine ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Healthy Longevity

Abstract Background In the context of increasing global aging, the long-term effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive function in older adults were analyzed in order to provide rationalized health recommendations to the elderly population. Methods The study used the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) dataset, from which 5354 Chinese seniors aged 65–112 years were selected as the subjects, spanning the years 1998–2018. Data on alcohol, diet, activity, and cognition were collected by questionnaire and cognitive levels were judged by the Mini-Mental State Examination scale (also referenced to the Functional Assessment Staging Test). Data cleaning and preprocessing was implemented by R software. The dynamic Cox model was applied for model construction and data analysis. Results The results of the dynamic Cox model suggested that seniors who drank alcohol were at higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those who never drank (HR = 1.291, 95%CI: 1.175–1.419). The risk was similarly exacerbated by perennial drinking habits (i.e., longer drinking years, HR = 1.008, 95%CI: 1.004–1.013). Compared to non-alcoholic beverages, liquor (≥ 38°), liquor (< 38°), wine and rice wine all showed negative effects. Whereas, the risk of cognitive decline was relatively lower in seniors who consumed liquors (< 38°) and rice wine compared to the high-level liquor (HR: 0.672 (0.508, 0.887) and 0.732 (0.559, 0.957), respectively). Conclusions Alcohol consumption has a negative and long-term effects on cognitive function in seniors. For the elderly, we suggested that alcohol intake should be avoided as much as possible.

The Impact of Physical Environment on the Cognitive Function of the Elderly: A Scoping Review of Cohort Studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 108482232110588
Author(s):  
Jihye Kim ◽  
Jiyeong Lee ◽  
Jihye Park ◽  
Hakseong Kim ◽  
Ingyu Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Residential Density ◽  
Living Space ◽  
Rural Environments ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Impact

This review examined whether the physical environment can change the cognitive function of the elderly and categorized the specific environmental types. Four databases, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO, were searched for relevant literature published as of December 2020. The framework used was proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, which includes a 5-stage review process. A total of 12 studies were examined. The physical environments with similar characteristics, among all the environmental elements, were grouped together into 4 categories: residential density and road connectivity, limited living space, urban/rural, and care facilities. Residential density and road connectivity, limited living space, and care facilities were found to have a significant effect on the cognitive function of the elderly. However, there was no significant effect on the cognitive function of the elderly when comparing the urban and rural environments. Although studies on environments that affect the cognitive function of the elderly are still ongoing, the ones analyzing specific environments in detail are insufficient. With the increasing importance of the role played by the environment in the cognitive impairment of the elderly, detailed studies on specific environments among the various environmental factors surrounding the elderly, such as this study, should be conducted more actively.

451 THE BEST MARKER FOR COGNITION—RELATIVE HANDGRIP STRENGTH, ASYMMETRY OR WEAKNESS?

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii5-ii7
Author(s):  
V Ho ◽  
C Chen ◽  
R A Merchant
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Hand Dominance ◽  
Perceived Health Status ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Strength Asymmetry ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Handgrip strength (HGS) is increasingly used to estimate overall muscle strength. Association between low HGS and cognitive decline has been well documented. Recently, McGrath’s team elucidated a new dimension of HGS asymmetry with important implications on physical and cognitive limitations. It is unclear if these effects can be generalised. The Asian working group for sarcopenia (AWGS) has called for ‘special considerations’ due to ‘anthropometric and cultural or lifestyle-related differences’6. Hence, we aim to investigate if HGS asymmetry is associated with cognition in Asians. Methodology We defined sarcopenia by AWGS consensus: HGS &lt;28 kg for men; &lt;18 kg for women. Asymmetry was HGS &gt;10% stronger on either hand; relative HGS was HGS adjusted for BMI. Low cognitive function was defined as MMSE&lt;26. We compared weakness alone, any HGS asymmetry or relative HGS alone and combination of weakness and HGS asymmetry or relative HGS asymmetry. Each model was adjusted for demographic characteristics, hand dominance, obesity, frailty, physical activity, depression and perceived health status. Results 738 Asian subjects participated. Mean age 70.8 ± 0.2 years, 45.1% males, 82.5% Chinese. More than 50% have multimorbidity. 5.4% were frail. Mean BMI 24.4 ± 0.1 kg/m2. Mean HGS 22.6 ± 0.3. 93 (12.7%) had symmetrical HGS and not weak, 59 (7.8%) asymmetrical and not weak, 321 (43.6%) symmetrical and weak, 265 (35.9%) asymmetrical and weak. Mean MMSE scores for weakness alone, asymmetry alone and combined weakness and asymmetry are 26.6 ± 0.1, 26.8 ± 0.2 and 26.5 ± 0.2 respectively. HGS asymmetry alone was not associated with better cognitive function OR 0.66 (95%CI: 0.30–1.44). Combined asymmetry and weakness was non-significantly linked to worse cognition OR 2.14 (95%CI: 0.79–5.82). We found relative HGS to be protective for cognitive decline, OR 0.31 (95%CI: 0.12–0.78, p = 0.012). Conclusion Our study highlights the impact of ethnicity in sarcopenia research. Our population shows association of relative HGS with cognition. Further longitudinal studies are needed.

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