scholarly journals Longitudinal Associations between the Neighborhood Built Environment and Cognition in US Older Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7973
Author(s):  
Lilah M. Besser ◽  
Lun-Ching Chang ◽  
Jana A. Hirsch ◽  
Daniel A. Rodriguez ◽  
John Renne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Ethnic Study ◽  
Random Intercept ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Cognitive Measurement ◽  
Neighborhood Built Environment

Few studies have examined associations between neighborhood built environments (BE) and longitudinally measured cognition. We examined whether four BE characteristics were associated with six-year change in global cognition and processing speed. We obtained data on 1816 participants without dementia from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. BE measures included social destination density, walking destination density, proportion of land dedicated to retail, and network ratio (street connectivity). Global cognition was measured with the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and processing speed with the Digit Symbol Coding test (DSC). Multivariable random intercept logistic models tested associations between neighborhood BE at 2010–2012 and maintained/improved cognition (versus decline) from 2010–2018, and mediation by minutes of physical activity (PA)/week. The sample was an average of 67 years old (standard deviation = 8.2) (first cognitive measurement) and racially/ethnically diverse (29% African American, 11% Chinese, 17% Hispanic, 44% White). Compared to individuals with no walking destinations in the 1-mile surrounding their residence, those with 716 walking destinations (maximum observed) were 1.24 times more likely to have maintain/improved DSC score (Odds ratio: 1.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.45). No other associations were observed between BE and cognition, and PA minutes/week did not mediate the association between walking destination density and DSC change. This study provides limited evidence for an association between greater neighborhood walking destinations and maintained/improved processing speed in older age and no evidence for associations between the other BE characteristics and cognition. Future studies with finer grained BE and cognitive measures and longer-term follow up may be required.

scholarly journals Historical redlining and cardiovascular health: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (51) ◽  
pp. e2110986118
Author(s):  
Mahasin S. Mujahid ◽  
Xing Gao ◽  
Loni P. Tabb ◽  
Colleen Morris ◽  
Tené T. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Black Adults ◽  
Neighborhood Conditions ◽  
Ethnic Study ◽  
Random Intercept ◽  
Loan Corporation ◽  
Racial Ethnic

We investigated historical redlining, a government-sanctioned discriminatory policy, in relation to cardiovascular health (CVH) and whether associations were modified by present-day neighborhood physical and social environments. Data included 4,779 participants (mean age 62 y; SD = 10) from the baseline sample of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA; 2000 to 2002). Ideal CVH was a summary measure of ideal levels of seven CVH risk factors based on established criteria (blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, diet, physical activity, and smoking). We assigned MESA participants’ neighborhoods to one of four grades (A: best, B: still desirable, C: declining, and D: hazardous) using the 1930s federal Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps, which guided decisions regarding mortgage financing. Two-level hierarchical linear and logistic models, with a random intercept to account for participants nested within neighborhoods (i.e., census tracts) were used to assess associations within racial/ethnic subgroups (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Chinese). We found that Black adults who lived in historically redlined areas had a 0.82 (95% CI −1.54, −0.10) lower CVH score compared to those residing in grade A (best) neighborhoods, in a given neighborhood and adjusting for confounders. We also found that as the current neighborhood social environment improved the association between HOLC score and ideal CVH weakened (P < 0.10). There were no associations between HOLC grade and CVH measures or effect modification by current neighborhood conditions for any other racial/ethnic group. Results suggest that historical redlining has an enduring impact on cardiovascular risk among Black adults in the United States.

scholarly journals Fluid Cognitive Abilities Are Important for Learning and Retention of a New, Explicitly Learned Walking Pattern in Individuals After Stroke

2021 ◽  
pp. 154596832110010
Author(s):  
Margaret A. French ◽  
Matthew L. Cohen ◽  
Ryan T. Pohlig ◽  
Darcy S. Reisman
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Retention Models ◽  
Wechsler Memory Scale ◽  
Walking Pattern ◽  
Learning Principles ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sequential Regression ◽  
Neurologically Intact

Background There is significant variability in poststroke locomotor learning that is poorly understood and affects individual responses to rehabilitation interventions. Cognitive abilities relate to upper extremity motor learning in neurologically intact adults, but have not been studied in poststroke locomotor learning. Objective To understand the relationship between locomotor learning and retention and cognition after stroke. Methods Participants with chronic (>6 months) stroke participated in 3 testing sessions. During the first session, participants walked on a treadmill and learned a new walking pattern through visual feedback about their step length. During the second session, participants walked on a treadmill and 24-hour retention was assessed. Physical and cognitive tests, including the Fugl-Meyer-Lower Extremity (FM-LE), Fluid Cognition Composite Score (FCCS) from the NIH Toolbox -Cognition Battery, and Spatial Addition from the Wechsler Memory Scale-IV, were completed in the third session. Two sequential regression models were completed: one with learning and one with retention as the dependent variables. Age, physical impairment (ie, FM-LE), and cognitive measures (ie, FCCS and Spatial Addition) were the independent variables. Results Forty-nine and 34 participants were included in the learning and retention models, respectively. After accounting for age and FM-LE, cognitive measures explained a significant portion of variability in learning ( R2 = 0.17, P = .008; overall model R2 = 0.31, P = .002) and retention (Δ R2 = 0.17, P = .023; overall model R2 = 0.44, P = .002). Conclusions Cognitive abilities appear to be an important factor for understanding locomotor learning and retention after stroke. This has significant implications for incorporating locomotor learning principles into the development of personalized rehabilitation interventions after stroke.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Associations Between Loneliness and Cognitive Ability in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1376-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith A Okely ◽  
Ian J Deary
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Visuospatial Ability ◽  
Lothian Birth Cohort ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Reciprocal Associations

Abstract Objectives Loneliness is associated with poorer cognitive function in old age; however, the direction of this association is unknown. We tested for reciprocal associations between loneliness and the cognitive ability domains of processing speed, visuospatial ability, verbal memory, and crystallized ability. Method We used three triennial waves of longitudinal data from the Lothian Birth Cohort Study 1936, and tested for cross-lagged associations between loneliness and cognitive abilities using cross-lagged panel models. Results Better processing speed, visuospatial ability, or crystallized ability at age 73, was associated with less positive changes in loneliness between ages 73 and 76; however, these associations were not replicated between ages 76 and 79. Loneliness at ages 73 and 76 did not predict subsequent changes in cognitive abilities. Discussion Our findings indicate an association between cognitive ability and loneliness, such that individuals with lower cognitive abilities at age 73 may be at a slightly higher risk of becoming lonely. However, we did not find support for the hypothesis that loneliness causes a decline in cognitive health.

scholarly journals Changing our thinking about changing their thinking in older adulthood

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 1405-1407
Author(s):  
Viviana M. Wuthrich
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
New Learning

It is well-established that as people age, deterioration in cognitive abilities including processing speed, memory, and cognitive flexibility occurs, although vast individual differences occur in the rate and consequences of this decline (Christensen, 2001). Anxiety and depression in late life are also associated with specific cognitive deficits in memory and executive functioning that may impact on new learning (Yochim et al., 2013). Therefore, it is possible that cognitive changes make it more difficult for older adults to learn how to change their thinking particularly in the context of psychological therapy.

scholarly journals Features of formation of the functional state of the central nervous system and cognitive abilities in children and adolescents of the school age

2020 ◽  
pp. 76-79
Author(s):  
N. P. Setko ◽  
E. V. Bulycheva ◽  
O. M. Zhdanova
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
General Education ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
School Age ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Objective: The objective is to determine the features of formation of the functional state of the central nervous system (CNS) and cognitive abilities in children and adolescents of the school age.Methods: The study included 300 school children of general education institution of Orenburg. Functional state of CNS was evaluated with variational chronoreflexometry. Cognitive availabilities have been studied with proof-reading test, Landolt ring.Results: From 7–11 y.o. to 16–17 y.o., there was an increase by 1.5 times in parameters of CNS functional state. Students aged from 7–11 y.o. by 12–15 y.o. demonstrated decrease in processing speed by 1.5 times due to increase of cognitive activity to 1.8 times. From 12–15 y.o. by 16–17 y.o., on the contrary, there was an increase of information processing speed by 1.3 times and decrease of cognitive activity by 2.9 times.Conclusions: The detected features of formation of CNS functional state and cognitive abilities in children and adolescents can be taken into account in when organizing personality-oriented training in educational institutions in order to maintain and increase the level of mental performance and academic performance of students. 

scholarly journals A-035 What Make Them Tick? The Clock Drawing Test and Correlations Between Cognitive and Functional Abilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 825-825
Author(s):  
Gold D ◽  
Boulos K ◽  
Coolbrith N ◽  
Piryatinsky I
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Clock Drawing Test ◽  
Clock Drawing ◽  
Mattis Dementia Rating Scale ◽  
Drawing Test ◽  
Error Types

Abstract Objective The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is among the most researched cognitive measures and is frequently used to screen for neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). No study to date has investigated the relationship between qualitative errors on the CDT and independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) or discrete cognitive abilities. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the correlations between qualitative errors on the CDT and IADL status as well as performance in individual cognitive domains. Method Data were retrospectively collected from patients seen at an outpatient clinic in eastern Massachusetts, including 16 healthy controls, 22 patients with mild NCD, and 35 patients with major NCD. Analyses were performed between qualitative errors on the CDT and patients’ scores on the Lawton IADL Scale, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2), Digit Span Forward and Backward, Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Results IADL scores were moderately correlated with CDT error types. DRS-2 scores were strongly correlated commission of qualitative errors. Strong to very strong correlations were observed between TMT parts A & B scores and all qualitative error types. BNT performance was strongly correlated with conceptual deficits and spatial/planning errors. Digit Span Forward and Backward scores showed low correlations with all CDT errors. Conclusions Functional status appears only moderately correlated with commission of various CDT errors; however, several cognitive measures showed high correlation with various CDT error types. These findings suggest that certain qualitative errors may be indicative of cognitive impairments warranting further workup. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

scholarly journals Prospective Memory Impairment in Chronic Heart Failure

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Habota ◽  
Skye N. McLennan ◽  
Jan Cameron ◽  
Julie D. Henry ◽  
Chantal F. Ski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Chronic Heart Failure ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Dependent Measure ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Event Time ◽  
Global Cognition

AbstractAlthough cognitive deficits are common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), no study to date has investigated whether these deficits extend to the capacity to execute delayed intentions (prospective memory, PM). This is a surprising omission given the critical role PM plays in correctly implementing many important CHF self-care behaviors. The present study aimed to provide the first empirical assessment of PM function in people with CHF. The key dependent measure was a laboratory measure of PM that closely simulates PM tasks in daily life – Virtual Week. A group comparison design was used, with 30 CHF patients compared to 30 demographically matched controls. Background measures assessing executive functions, working memory, and verbal memory were also administered. The CHF group exhibited significant PM impairment, with difficulties generalizing across different types of PM tasks (event, time, regular, irregular). The CHF group also had moderate deficits on several of the background cognitive measures. Given the level of impairment remained consistent even on tasks that imposed minimal demands on memory for task content, CHF-related difficulties most likely reflects problems with the prospective component. However, exploratory analyses suggest that difficulties with retrospective memory and global cognition (but not executive control), also contribute to the PM difficulties seen in this group. The implications of these data are discussed, and in particular, it is argued that problems with PM may help explain why patient engagement in CHF self-care behaviors is often poor. (JINS, 2015,21, 1–10)

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S936-S937
Author(s):  
Stephanie M Bergren ◽  
Gabriella Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Historical Events ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Research has found relationships between experiencing stressful events and lower cognitive function in late life. However, there is little research about the cumulative experiences of significant historical events and cognitive function. Historical events may be unique compared to other life events due to their potential distal relationship to the individual. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiencing significant historical events and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Data were drawn from the PINE Study, a cohort study of 3,126 US Chinese older adults collected from 2017-2019. Participants were asked if they experienced the Japanese invasion, famine, Great Leap Forward, Vietnam War, Cultural Revolution, and the Tian’anmen Square Protests. A composite score of 0-6 was calculated to count the number experienced. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Chinese MMSE. Linear and quantile regression were performed. Among the participants, 1908 (61.04%) were female with mean age of 75.33 (SD=8.22) years. The average number of historical events experienced was 2.36 (SD=1.44). After adjusting for covariates, every one additional historical event experience was associated with better global cognition (b=0.26, SE=0.009, p&lt;.01), episodic memory (b = 0.045, SE=0.012, p&lt;.001), and processing speed (b=0.383, SE=0.135, p&lt;.01). Number of historical events was not significantly associated with working memory or C-MMSE. The positive relationship between historical events and some cognitive domains suggests a potential resilience effect after experiencing historical events. Future research should examine whether participants found events stressful and whether there are differential relationships to cognitive function.

scholarly journals Reading and spelling skills of prematurely born children in light of the underlying cognitive factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rózsa Gráf ◽  
Magda Kalmár ◽  
Andrea Harnos ◽  
Gábor Boross ◽  
Anett Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Academic Skills ◽  
Cognitive Mechanisms ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Good Readers ◽  
Complex Figure ◽  
R Program ◽  
Figure Test ◽  
Reading And Spelling

Abstract Prematurity is a serious risk factor for learning difficulties. Within the academic skills reading has the greatest impact on the prospects of the students; therefore, studying the reading skills in the risk populations is very important. The aim of our study was to investigate reading and spelling skills of prematurely born children. Our target group consisted of 8–11-year-old children (n = 23) who were born preterm with very low birthweights (VLBW). For comparison 57 full-term children (27 good readers and 30 dyslexics) were included in the study sample. To assess the reading and spelling abilities the Hungarian version of the 3DM (Dyslexia Differential Diagnosis) was used. Cognitive abilities were tested using the Hungarian adaptation of the WISC-IV and the Rey Complex Figure Test. The data were analyzed with a novel statistical approach using the R program. In the cognitive measures the mean performances of all three groups fell within the normal range. In the WISC-IV Full-scale IQ as well as in some other cognitive measures the good readers significantly outperformed both the dyslexics and the preterms. The findings of the study did not confirm our expectation that VLBW prematurity should lead to developmental disadvantages in the acquisition of reading and spelling skills since in the reading and spelling performances of the good readers and the preterms did not differ, while both the good readers and the preterms scored higher than the dyslexics. The results suggest that the cognitive assets of the preterm children contributing to their reading and spelling performances were their good spatial–visual memory, working memory, and processing speed. The identification of the cognitive mechanisms underlying reading and spelling abilities is of crucial importance for designing intervention for children with deficits in these academic skills.

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