1
|
Wongupparaj P, Wongupparaj R, Morris RG, Kumari V. Seventy years, 1000 samples, and 300,000 SPM scores: A new meta-analysis of Flynn effect patterns. INTELLIGENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2023.101750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
|
2
|
Martins AI, Silva AG, Pais J, Cruz VT, Rocha NP. The impact of users' cognitive function on evaluator perceptions of usability. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13753. [PMID: 35962003 PMCID: PMC9374702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the association between the user’s cognitive function and usability reported by the evaluator. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a community-based sample. Data about participants’ age, sex, education, sleep quantity, subjective memory complaints, and cognitive function were collected. A usability session was conducted to evaluate a digital solution called Brain on Track. Independent linear-regression analyses were used to explore univariable and multivariable associations between evaluator-reported usability assessment and the users’ cognitive function, age, sex, education, sleep quantity, and subjective memory complaints. A total of 238 participants entered this study, of which 161 (67.6%) were females and the mean age was 42 (SD 12.9) years old. All variables (age, education, sleep quantity, subjective memory complaints and cognitive function) except sex were significantly associated with evaluator-reported usability in the univariable analysis (p < 0.05). Cognitive function, age, education, and subjective memory complaints remained significant in the multivariable model (F = 38.87, p < 0.001) with an adjusted R2 of 0.391. Cognition scores alone showed an adjusted R2 of 0.288. This work suggests that cognitive function impacts evaluator reported usability, alongside other users’ characteristics and needs to be considered in the usability evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Martins
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research-CINTESIS@RISE, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Anabela G Silva
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research-CINTESIS@RISE, School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Pais
- EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Neuroinova, University of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Vítor Tedim Cruz
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nelson P Rocha
- Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Geyer S, Kuhlmann BG, Beller J, Grasshoff J. The role of school education in time-dependent changes of cognitive abilities in cohorts from midlife to old age. Aging Ment Health 2022; 27:729-735. [PMID: 35486386 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2068132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is examined whether older adults' cognitive ability in terms of delayed recall and verbal fluency is improving over time, whether this occurs over all educational levels and both sexes, and whether these changes are due to increasing proportions of individuals with higher education. METHODS Analyses are based on the German samples of the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (waves 2004 and 2013). RESULTS Achievement levels increased over time and in all age groups. Improvements over educational levels occurred in parallel, differences between educational levels in the earlier survey were later reproduced at higher levels. Increasing proportions of individuals with higher education did not explain improvements of cognitive ability. No sex differences emerged. CONCLUSION Improved cognitive abilities could not be explained by upward shifts of educational levels. Improvements in higher age groups may foster improved health status and prolonged self-determined life in the older population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried Geyer
- Medical Sociology Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Beatrice G Kuhlmann
- Chair of Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Aging, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Beller
- Medical Sociology Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Grasshoff
- Medical Sociology Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Diaconu V, van Raalte A, Martikainen P. Why we should monitor disparities in old-age mortality with the modal age at death. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263626. [PMID: 35139112 PMCID: PMC8827466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Indicators based a fixed “old” age threshold have been widely used for assessing socioeconomic disparities in mortality at older ages. Interpretation of long-term trends and determinants of these indicators is challenging because mortality above a fixed age that in the past would have reflected old age deaths is today mixing premature and old-age mortality. We propose the modal (i.e., most frequent) age at death, M, an indicator increasingly recognized in aging research, but which has been infrequently used for monitoring mortality disparities at older ages. We use mortality and population exposure data by occupational class over the 1971-2017 period from Finnish register data. The modal age and life expectancy indicators are estimated from mortality rates smoothed with penalized B-splines. Over the 1971-2017 period, occupational class disparities in life expectancy at 65 and 75 widened while disparities in M remained relatively stable. The proportion of the group surviving to the modal age was constant across time and occupational class. In contrast, the proportion surviving to age 65 and 75 has roughly doubled since 1971 and showed strong occupational class differences. Increasing socioeconomic disparities in mortality based on fixed old age thresholds may be a feature of changing selection dynamics in a context of overall declining mortality. Unlike life expectancy at a selected fixed old age, M compares individuals with similar survival chances over time and across occupational classes. This property makes trends and differentials in M easier to interpret in countries where old-age survival has improved significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viorela Diaconu
- Lifespan Inequalities Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Alyson van Raalte
- Lifespan Inequalities Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Pekka Martikainen
- Lifespan Inequalities Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Population Research Unit (PRU), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Increasingly capable at the ripe old age? Cognitive abilities from 2004 to 2013 in Germany, Spain, and Sweden. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254038. [PMID: 34197534 PMCID: PMC8248634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Life expectancy is increasing in most high-income countries, but gains in life years are maximized if spent in good health and if cognitive abilities are maintained until old age. Age-related decline of cognitive abilities does nevertheless occur, but the pace of decline is decisive. This was the starting point for our study that aims to examine cohort effects of cognitive aging in women and men in Germany, Spain and Sweden by analyzing changes from 2004 to 2013 by estimating cohort effects within age groups starting from the age of 50 years. Methods A cohort study was conducted that was based on data of the surveys 2004 (N = 6,081) and 2013 (N = 8,650) from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The analyses were based on data of female and male respondents aged 50 years and older. Age-specific means of verbal fluency and delayed recall from the German, Spanish and Swedish samples were the cognitive domains considered in the study. Results In both domains of cognitive ability the achievements in the later surveys were higher than in the earlier ones. This was found in all countries, abut achievement levels increased markedly in the German and the Spanish samples, while the scores of the Swedish samples were not significantly different. While the highest scores were found for Sweden, Germany ranked in the middle and the lowest scores were found in the Spanish samples. Over time, the scores of the German samples approached those of Sweden. Conclusions From the first to the second survey, improvements of older adults’ cognitive abilities were found for all countries considered. This may indicate improvements of the underlying educational systems, but also increasingly stimulating general living conditions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu YH, Lewis M, Rigaud AS. Cognitive Function and Digital Device Use in Older Adults Attending a Memory Clinic. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2019; 5:2333721419844886. [PMID: 31080848 PMCID: PMC6498770 DOI: 10.1177/2333721419844886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated cognitive function in relation to the use of a computer and a touchscreen device among older adults attending a memory clinic. The entire sample (n = 323) was categorized into four profiles, according to the frequency of digital device use (either daily or non-daily usage). Results showed that on a daily basis, 26% of the sample used both a computer and a touchscreen device, 26.9% used only a computer, 7.1% used only a touchscreen device, and 39.9% used neither type of digital device. There were significant group differences on age, education, and clinical diagnosis (p < .001). Non-daily users of digital devices had significantly lower performance, compared with daily users of both types of digital device, on measures of global cognitive function, processing speed, short-term memory, and several components of executive function (p < .001). Falling behind with regard to the use of digital devices might reflect underlying poor cognitive capacities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Huei Wu
- Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, France
- Ya-Huei Wu, Hôpital Broca, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, 54-56 rue Pascal, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Manon Lewis
- Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Rigaud
- Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Deeg DJH, Comijs HC, Hoogendijk EO, van der Noordt M, Huisman M. 23-Year Trends in Life Expectancy in Good and Poor Physical and Cognitive Health at Age 65 Years in the Netherlands, 1993-2016. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:1652-1658. [PMID: 30359113 PMCID: PMC6236728 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2018.304685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine 23-year trends in both physically and cognitively healthy life expectancy from age 65 years in the Netherlands. METHODS We used 8 waves between 1993 and 2016 from the nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (12 948 observations). We calculated physically and cognitively healthy life expectancies by using the Sullivan life table method and tested prevalence trends over time by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Total life expectancy at age 65 years rose from 14.7 to 18.7 years (men) and from 19.2 to 21.4 years (women). Life expectancy in poor physical health increased nonlinearly from 1.8 to 2.9 years for men; for women it fluctuated around 5.7 years. Meanwhile, life expectancy in good cognitive health increased linearly from 11.0 to 15.7 years (men) and from 13.4 to 18.0 years (women). The proportion of people with poor physical and poor cognitive health combined did not increase, averaging 5.9% (men) and 8.7% (women). CONCLUSIONS This multiwave study shows that a negative trend in physically healthy life expectancy is accompanied by a positive trend in cognitively healthy life expectancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorly J H Deeg
- Dorly J. H. Deeg, Emiel O. Hoogendijk, Maaike van der Noordt, and Martijn Huisman are with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hannie C. Comijs is with the Department of Psychiatry, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam. Martijn Huisman is also with the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, VU University. All of the authors are with the VU University Medical Center and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | - Hannie C Comijs
- Dorly J. H. Deeg, Emiel O. Hoogendijk, Maaike van der Noordt, and Martijn Huisman are with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hannie C. Comijs is with the Department of Psychiatry, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam. Martijn Huisman is also with the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, VU University. All of the authors are with the VU University Medical Center and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | - Emiel O Hoogendijk
- Dorly J. H. Deeg, Emiel O. Hoogendijk, Maaike van der Noordt, and Martijn Huisman are with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hannie C. Comijs is with the Department of Psychiatry, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam. Martijn Huisman is also with the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, VU University. All of the authors are with the VU University Medical Center and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | - Maaike van der Noordt
- Dorly J. H. Deeg, Emiel O. Hoogendijk, Maaike van der Noordt, and Martijn Huisman are with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hannie C. Comijs is with the Department of Psychiatry, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam. Martijn Huisman is also with the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, VU University. All of the authors are with the VU University Medical Center and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | - Martijn Huisman
- Dorly J. H. Deeg, Emiel O. Hoogendijk, Maaike van der Noordt, and Martijn Huisman are with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hannie C. Comijs is with the Department of Psychiatry, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam. Martijn Huisman is also with the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, VU University. All of the authors are with the VU University Medical Center and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Safarova AA, Safarova GL, Lisenenkov AI. Demographic Aspects of Population Ageing in Saint-Petersburg at the End of 20th–The Beginning of 21st Century. Part II. Prospective Ageing Measures. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057018020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
Sanderson WC, Scherbov S, Weber D, Bordone V. Combined Measures of Upper and Lower Body Strength and Subgroup Differences in Subsequent Survival Among the Older Population of England. J Aging Health 2018; 28:1178-93. [PMID: 27590797 DOI: 10.1177/0898264316656515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an example of a new methodology for using multiple characteristics in the study of population aging and to assess its usefulness. METHOD Using the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), we investigate three characteristics of each person 60 to 85 years old, by level of education, hand-grip strength in 2004 (measured in kilos), chair rise speed in 2004 (measured in rises per minute), and whether the person survived from 2004 to 2012. Because the three characteristics are measured in different units, we convert them into a common metric, called alpha-ages. RESULTS We find that the average of the alpha-age differentials in the measures of upper body and lower body strength predicts educational differentials in subsequent survival better than either physical measure alone. DISCUSSION This result demonstrates the benefit of combining characteristics, using alpha-ages to convert incommensurate observations into a common metric.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warren C Sanderson
- Stony Brook University, NY, USA International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Sergei Scherbov
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), Laxenburg, Austria Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniela Weber
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Valeria Bordone
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), Laxenburg, Austria Centre for Research on Ageing and ESRC Centre for Population Change, University of Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Do Effort and Reward at Work Predict Changes in Cognitive Function? First Longitudinal Results from the Representative German Socio-Economic Panel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14111390. [PMID: 29140258 PMCID: PMC5708029 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that work characteristics, such as mental demands, job control, and occupational complexity, are prospectively related to cognitive function. However, current evidence on links between psychosocial working conditions and cognitive change over time is inconsistent. In this study, we applied the effort–reward imbalance model that allows to build on previous research on mental demands and to introduce reward-based learning as a principle with beneficial effect on cognitive function. We aimed to investigate whether high effort, high reward, and low over-commitment in 2006 were associated with positive changes in cognitive function in terms of perceptual speed and word fluency (2006–2012), and whether the co-manifestation of high effort and high reward would yield the strongest association. To this end, we used data on 1031 employees who participated in a large and representative study. Multivariate linear regression analyses supported our main hypotheses (separate and combined effects of effort and reward), particularly on changes in perceptual speed, whereas the effects of over-commitment did not reach the level of statistical significance. Our findings extend available knowledge by examining the course of cognitive function over time. If corroborated by further evidence, organization-based measures in the workplace can enrich efforts towards preventing cognitive decline in ageing workforces.
Collapse
|
11
|
Can a tablet-based cancellation test identify cognitive impairment in older adults? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181809. [PMID: 28742136 PMCID: PMC5524401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective There has been a growing interest in using computerized cognitive assessment to detect age-related cognitive disorders. We have developed a tablet-based cancellation test (e-CT), previously shown as a reliable measure of executive functions and free of effect of familiarity with computer-based devices in healthy older adults. This study aimed to investigate the influence of demographics and current daily use of computer-based devices in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We further studied the ability of the e-CT to discriminate MCI and AD patients from older adults with normal cognition (NC). Methods The e-CT was administered to 325 older adults (NC = 112, MCI = 129, AD = 84). Subjects also performed the K-T test, a paper-and-pencil cancellation test from which the e-CT was developed. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the contribution of demographics and current daily use of computer-based devices on the e-CT in patient groups. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) were established to compare the efficacy of the e-CT and the K-T test to classify subjects into diagnostic groups. Results In the MCI group, age (B = -0.37, p<0.001) and current daily use of computer-based devices (B = 5.85, p<0.001) were associated with the number of correct cancellations of the e-CT. In the AD group, only current daily use of a computer-based device was a significant contributor (B = 6.28, p<0.001). The e-CT (AUC = 0.811; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.756–0.867) and the K-T (AUC = 0.837; CI: 0.787–0.887) showed good and comparable diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between MCI and NC subjects. To discriminate between NC and AD, both tests showed high diagnostic accuracy, with the AUC values of 0.923 (CI: 0.876–0.971) and 0.929 (95%CI: 0.886–0.972) for the e-CT and the K-T, respectively. Conclusion The e-CT presents satisfying discriminative validity and is a promising tool for detection of early cognitive impairment in older adults.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
We merge two methodologies, prospective measures of population aging and probabilistic population forecasts. We compare the speed of change and variability in forecasts of the old age dependency ratio and the prospective old age dependency ratio as well as the same comparison for the median age and the prospective median age. While conventional measures of population aging are computed on the basis of the number of years people have already lived, prospective measures are computed also taking account of the expected number of years they have left to live. Those remaining life expectancies change over time and differ from place to place. We compare the probabilistic distributions of the conventional and prospective measures using examples from China, Germany, Iran, and the United States. The changes over time and the variability of the prospective indicators are smaller than those that are observed in the conventional ones. A wide variety of new results emerge from the combination of methodologies. For example, for Germany, Iran, and the United States the likelihood that the prospective median age of the population in 2098 will be lower than it is today is close to 100 percent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warren C. Sanderson
- Department of Economics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, World Population Program, Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergei Scherbov
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, World Population Program, Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, Austria
- Austrian Academy of Science, Vienna Institute of Demography, Vienna, Austria
- Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Patrick Gerland
- United Nations Organization, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Population Division, Two UN Plaza, Room DC2-1934, New York, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many developed countries, cognitive functioning (as measured by neuropsychological tests) appears to be improving over time in the population at large, in parallel with the declining age-specific incidence of dementia. Here, we investigated cohort effects in the age-associated trajectories of verbal memory function in older adults. We sought to determine whether they varied by decade of birth and, if so, whether the change would be explained by increasing educational attainment. METHODS Pooling data from two prospective US population-based studies between 1987 and 2015, we identified four birth cohorts born 1902-1911, 1912-1921, 1922-1931, and 1932-1943. Among these cohorts, we compared age-associated trajectories both of performance and of practice effects on immediate and delayed recall of a 10-item Word List. We used mixed effects models, first including birth cohorts and cohort X age interaction terms, and then controlling for education and education X age interaction. RESULTS We observed significant cohort effects in performance (baseline and age-associated trajectories) in both immediate recall and delayed recall, with function improving between the earliest- and latest-born cohorts. For both tests, we also observed cohort effects on practice effects with the highest levels in the latest-born cohorts. Including education in the models did not attenuate these effects. CONCLUSIONS In this longitudinal population study, across four decade-long birth cohorts, there were significant improvements in test performance and practice effects in verbal memory tests, not explained by education. Whether this reflects declining disease incidence or other secular trends awaits further investigation.
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Cujzek M, Vranic A. Computerized tabletop games as a form of a video game training for old-old. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2016; 24:631-648. [PMID: 27775485 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2016.1246649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed at investigating the utility of a computerized version of a cognitively stimulating activity as a video game intervention for elderly. The study focused on the effect of a 6-week extensive practice intervention on aspects of cognitive functioning (vigilance, working memory (WM), inhibition, reasoning) of old-old participants (N = 29), randomly assigned to trained or active control group. The difference between groups was in the content of the extended video game practice - cognitively complex card game for trained and computerized version of a simple dice-game of chance for control participants. A pretest, posttest and a 4-month follow-up measurement was conducted. Results revealed improvements in both groups, except for improved reasoning found only in trained participants. These results suggest that: (1) improvements are dependent on the complexity of the program, (2) cognitively stimulating activity are a valid training procedure for old-old, (3) novelty of computer use is an important factor in determining training efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cujzek
- a Department of Psychology , University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Andrea Vranic
- a Department of Psychology , University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
van Toutert M, Diesfeldt H, Hoek D. [The Amsterdam Dementia Screening Test in cognitively healthy and clinical samples. An update of normative data]. Tijdschr Gerontol Geriatr 2016; 47:198-210. [PMID: 27629293 DOI: 10.1007/s12439-016-0189-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The six tests in the Amsterdam Dementia Screening Test (ADST) examine the cognitive domains of episodic memory (delayed picture recognition, word learning), orientation, category fluency (animals and occupations), constructional ability (figure copying) and executive function (alternating sequences). New normative data were collected in a sample of 102 elderly volunteers (aged 65-94), including subjects with medical or other health conditions, except dementia or frank cognitive impairment (MMSE > 24). Included subjects were independent in complex instrumental activities of daily living.Fluency, not the other tests, needed adjustment for age and education. A deficit score (0-1) was computed for each test. Summation (range 0-6) proved useful in differentiating patients with dementia (N = 741) from normal elderly (N = 102).Positive and negative predictive power across a range of summed deficit scores and base rates are displayed in Bayesian probability tables.In the normal elderly, delayed recall for eight words was tested and adjusted for initial recall. A recognition test mixed the target words with eight distractors. Delayed recognition was adjusted for immediate and delayed recall.The ADST and the normative data in this paper help the clinical neuropsychologist to make decisions concerning the presence or absence of neurocognitive disorder in individual elderly examinees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dirk Hoek
- Faculteit Psychologie en Onderwijswetenschappen, sectie Methoden en Technieken, Open Universiteit, Heerlen, Nederland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Population Aging at Cross-Roads: Diverging Secular Trends in Average Cognitive Functioning and Physical Health in the Older Population of Germany. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136583. [PMID: 26323093 PMCID: PMC4556449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper uses individual-level data from the German Socio-Economic Panel to model trends in population health in terms of cognition, physical fitness, and mental health between 2006 and 2012. The focus is on the population aged 50–90. We use a repeated population-based cross-sectional design. As outcome measures, we use SF-12 measures of physical and mental health and the Symbol-Digit Test (SDT) that captures cognitive processing speed. In line with previous research we find a highly significant Flynn effect on cognition; i.e., SDT scores are higher among those who were tested more recently (at the same age). This result holds for men and women, all age groups, and across all levels of education. While we observe a secular improvement in terms of cognitive functioning, at the same time, average physical and mental health has declined. The decline in average physical health is shown to be stronger for men than for women and found to be strongest for low-educated, young-old men aged 50–64: the decline over the 6-year interval in average physical health is estimated to amount to about 0.37 SD, whereas average fluid cognition improved by about 0.29 SD. This pattern of results at the population-level (trends in average population health) stands in interesting contrast to the positive association of physical health and cognitive functioning at the individual-level. The findings underscore the multi-dimensionality of health and the aging process.
Collapse
|