Cohort effects in verbal memory function and practice effects: a population-based study.

Individual and meteorological factors are associated with cognitive function in older adults. However, how these two factors interact with each other to affect cognitive function in older adults is still unclear. We used mixed effects models to assess the association of individual and meteorological factors with cognitive function among older adults. Individual data in this study were from the database of China Family Panel Studies. A total of 3448 older adults from 25 provinces were included in our analysis. Cognitive functions were measured using a memory test and a logical sequence test. We used the meteorological data in the daily climate dataset of China’s surface international exchange stations, and two meteorological factors (i.e., average temperature and relative humidity) were assessed. The empty model showed significant differences in the cognitive scores of the older adults across different provinces. The results showed a main impact of residence (i.e., urban or rural) and a significant humidity–residence interaction on memory performance in older adults. Specifically, the negative association between humidity and memory performance was more pronounced in urban areas. This study suggested that meteorological factors may, in concert with individual factors, be associated with differences in memory function in older adults.

Since Voas and Crockett (2005), a consensus has emerged in the sociology of religions on the fact that secularization is largely due to a cohort effect. That is, each birth cohort is less religious than the previous one. We use data from the Swiss Household Panel (SHP), a multi-thematic survey based on a random sample representative of the general population since 1999, to understand what is the cohort effect in Switzerland on three indicators of religiosity: religious affiliation, frequency of religious service attendance, and personal prayer, taking into account the socio-demographic characteristics of individuals, which could interfere with cohort, period, or age effects. A first general observation can be drawn from the SHP: for the three religious indicators, a cohort effect is a key factor in explaining the decline of religiosity. Each birth cohort is less religious on all three indicators, that is, younger individuals are less affiliated, practice less often, and pray less than the older cohort. More subtly, we also observe an effect of age or life cycle, especially on the practice, and a period effect on the religious disaffiliation of individuals. Each birth cohort shows a more religious profile of individuals at the start of the cohort than at the end. There is, therefore, an initial movement of distancing from religion by birth cohorts, but this is further accentuated by a period effect for disaffiliation and sometimes accelerated and, at other times, slightly contained by a life-cycle effect.

Effectiveness of multiple mnemonic strategies for improving verbal memory in older adults

Causal inference in population health research on aging is critical for understanding determinants of healthy aging and informing potential avenues of intervention. Such research faces a number of methodological challenges including data availability, detection bias, selection bias, confounding, and reverse causation. Novel statistical methods and approaches to leveraging data have been developed to address these issues. This session features cutting-edge research that incorporates novel methods and data to address key methodological challenges in aging research. Speakers will address (1) the use of hypothetical intervention approaches to address confounding and reverse causation to understand the impact of loneliness on memory function in older adults, (2) a multiple-exposure data reduction approach to identify important determinants of exercise in an aging population, (3) ways to uncover and account for detection bias in electronic health record studies of dementia, (4) pooling of cohorts to address gaps in data availability across the lifecourse, and (5) challenges and opportunities related to extending findings from selected aging samples to broader populations of interest. Epidemiology of Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

Combining physical exercise and repetition-lag training to improve everyday memory function in older adults

Research with veterans, refugees and other trauma-exposed groups has identified a link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and deficits in memory. This study sought to determine whether similar associations can be observed in a large, population-representative sample of older adults with high levels of exposure to conflict amongst older adults in Northern Ireland (NI). Using data from the Northern Ireland COhort for the Longitudinal study of Ageing (NICOLA), we assessed whether the presence of PTSD was associated with poorer performance on tasks of global cognition, immediate and delayed verbal recall, executive function, verbal fluency and two tests of prospective memory. Participants were 2142 community dwelling adults, resident in NI and aged 50 and over. The NI weighted prevalence of current PTSD was 4.74%, which is high relative to other international estimates. Nearly 60% of those with PTSD reported the NI Troubles as their self-reported worst traumatic exposure, despite the height of the conflict occurring decades before, suggesting long-term consequences of the civil conflict. Individuals with PTSD recalled approximately half a word less than those without on tests of verbal recall and scored lower on global cognitive assessments: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), after accounting for sociodemographic characteristics. However, this effect was attenuated after further adjusting for health behaviours and current depression. The findings suggest an effect of trauma on cognitive function at a population level. Future research should explore the nature of this relationship over time.

Physical exercise is effective in protecting against age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Although there are many neuroimaging studies to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on aging brains, consistent conclusions are limited due to the wide variety of measuring techniques and small sample sizes. Identify brain regions that show exercise-induced neuroplasticity consistently across various imaging modalities and correlate regional neuroplasticity with cognitive changes in older adults. An electronic literature search for randomized controlled trials with magnetic resonance imaging measures was performed. We conducted a series of quantitative meta-analyses using activation likelihood estimation on included studies with voxel-based neuroimaging findings. Nonvoxelbased findings were summarized as a descriptive review. Out of 839 publications identified from the literature search, 30 experiments including 2670 participants from 22 papers met the criteria of meta-analyses. Overall, physical exercise consistently results in structural and functional changes in the hippocampus/parahippocampusl area and a cluster within the cerebellum. Although changes of medial/superior prefrontal cortex did not pass the stringent threshold, they were associated with cognitive changes. This study highlights the effectiveness of physical exercise in inducing hippocampus plasticity, which may be crucially relevant for maintaining memory function in older adults.

Depression, a widespread mental health disorder, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Amidst the myriad treatments, non-invasive Transcranial Electric Stimulation (tES), encompassing Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), has emerged as a promising intervention for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This review delineates the mechanisms of these modalities, their distinctions, and their potential to modulate neural oscillations and influence cognitive functions. Studies showcased the efficacy of these techniques in ameliorating depressive symptoms, with EEG and fNIRS employed to gauge their neurological impact. Observations suggest the potential in modulating for specific brain rhythms to enhance memory functions in older adults and influence working memory processes. The dynamic interplay between tDCS and tACS in altering cortical activities and their interaction with neurotransmitters like GABA further underscores their potential. However, the need for extensive research, particularly double-blind randomized control trials, remains paramount to ascertain their safety and efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the prospective role of tES in the clinical landscape of MDD treatment.

P8. Relationship of fornix white matter microstructure and memory function in older adults

Background: Memory impairment significantly impacts the quality of life for older adults living with dementia. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as puzzle therapy, have emerged as promising, low-cost strategies for managing cognitive decline and providing environmental enrichment. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of puzzle therapy as a brain exercise in improving memory function among older adults with moderate dementia. Methods: This case series involved three older adults (aged 74–84 years) residing at the Tresna Werdha Wana Seraya Social Institution in Bali. Participants engaged in puzzle therapy sessions lasting 10–15 minutes, conducted thrice over one week. Cognitive and memory functions were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and after the intervention. Results: All participants demonstrated measurable cognitive gains. Baseline MMSE scores ranging from 15 to 16 improved to post-intervention scores of 19 to 21, reflecting a consistent mean improvement of 4.0 points. Notable enhancements were observed specifically in the domains of orientation, immediate recall, and concentration. Conclusion: Puzzle therapy serves as a feasible and effective cognitive stimulation tool for improving memory function in older adults with moderate dementia. These findings support the integration of structured brain exercises into routine geriatric nursing care within institutional settings.

Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of cognitive enhancement interventions in older adults with age-related changes, few if any cognitive enhancement programs are available in the community that can be administered with ease and high quality, and reach a large number of persons. Just as peer-led programs are widely used to promote health awareness, health self-maintenance, and wellness, peers can promote memory awareness and education in community-residing older adults with mild age-related memory concerns. Overall, there has been a gap between the development of effective cognitive intervention programs to help offset the daily minor challenges associated with mild age-related memory loss, and convenient availability to the general population. Given this need, in association with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Longevity Center our group developed a unique 5-week, peer-led community education/intervention program to improve memory functioning in older adults. In this chapter, we detail the development and implementation, and present preliminary data regarding the effects on memory of this MTP program. We discuss the benefits and challenges associated with administering this kind of peer-led memory enhancement strategy. Given the many older adults experiencing age-related memory decline and the potential benefits of the intervention, the potential impact of peer-led memory training programs could be considerable.

One or a combination of age, period or cohort effects may drive changes in trends over time, for example, producing a widening or narrowing of socioeconomic differences in an outcome or leading to an increase or decrease in an outcome for one socioeconomic group alone. Age effects mean that the change occurs in all individuals at a particular age irrespective of when they were born or the current time period. For example, an increase in socioeconomic differentials occurring at the age of retirement (irrespective of what time period is being examined or which birth cohort individuals were born in) would be described as an age effect. A cohort is a group of people defined by a particular attribute (or set of attributes). In the context of age-period cohort effects, ‘cohort’ refers to birth cohort. Thus, the group (cohort) are defined by the period (usually the year) in which they were born. Cohort analysis is the tabulation and analysis of data, such as morbidity and mortality rates or educational outcomes, in relation to the birth cohorts of the individuals concerned. Cohort effect (also known as generational effect) refers to variations in health status that arise from the different causal factors to which each birth cohort in the population is exposed. Every birth cohort is exposed to different social and environmental circumstances that coincide with its life span. Because the meaning of socioeconomic measurements varies by birth cohorts (for example, a female who was born in 1910 obtaining a university degree is likely to have been from a different social stratum to a female born in 1975 obtaining a university degree) cohort effects are important to consider when examining the association of socioeconomic position (SEP) with health and other outcomes.

The landscape of reproductive rights for women in the USA was drastically altered on June 24, 2022, when the Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade and Planned Parenthood v Casey, thereby removing the constitutional right to abortion. The response was swift, with abortions expected to be banned in 26 states. Globally, 41% of women of childbearing age live in countries with restrictive abortion laws and, as a result, approximately 23 000 women die from unsafe abortions each year. Stripping women of reproductive rights therefore has immediate effects on their health and wellbeing, with unsafe pregnancies and dangerous self-managed abortions increasing the risk of maternal mortality and crippling mental health issues.It is important to look beyond these immediate effects to understand the long-term impact of abortion bans on ageing outcomes in women. Research has shown that access to abortions results in higher educational attainment and higher labour force participation for women; a study assessing abortion legislation in 97 countries showed that access to abortion led to a decrease in fertility rates, which in turn increased labour force participation for women. As gendered social roles largely dictate that women shoulder the bulk of childcare responsibilities, the decision to have children must often be considered in the context of education or careers, and women are left juggling competing roles. Education and workforce participation have been shown to reduce the risk of multimorbidity, functional problems, and cognitive decline. For example, the ongoing cognitive stimulation afforded by education and employment aids in bolstering cognitive reserve, which in turn can mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Thus, depriving women of reproductive choice and thereby access to education, careers, and economic empowerment is likely to have lifelong, devastating effects on women as they age.Although women are still less likely than men to participate in higher education and employment and are more likely to assume unpaid or domestic labour roles, the past century has seen gendered roles challenged. The narrowing of the gender gap in access to these opportunities has resulted in a narrowed gap in ageing outcomes. A study assessed the effects of birth cohort and education level on cognitive ageing and showed that, while men in earlier birth cohorts and in the low education group performed better on a cognitive battery, women in later birth cohorts and in the high education group outperformed men. Similarly, another study that explored the effect of education and labour force participation on sex differences in functional limitations by birth cohort found that the higher prevalence of limitations in older women, compared with men, from early birth cohorts was attenuated when socioeconomic factors were accounted for, and was entirely eliminated in more recent birth cohorts. The findings of these studies show the crucial contribution of education and employment opportunities to gender differences in cognitive and physical health outcomes in later life, and signal targets for interventions to forge gender parity and thereby promote healthy ageing in women.The 1973 Roe v Wade decision was monumental in granting American women the freedom to delay childrearing in the interest of pursuing education and careers, with cascading positive effects on health and wellbeing in older age. The Supreme Court's overturning of this decision has stripped millions of women of the human right to age in good health, therefore reversing years of progress to reduce gender disparities in healthy ageing. Although the decision only affects the USA, it has wider implications as it could set a precedent for other countries. Hopefully, its media prominence will guide attention to the importance of promoting reproductive rights globally to protect healthy ageing in women. This is particularly pertinent in regions that have restricted access to family planning services for women and that are experiencing rapid population ageing, primarily sub-Saharan Africa, northern Africa, and western Asia. Reproductive rights are basic human rights, and removing these not only endangers the immediate health of young women but also lays a precarious foundation for their health trajectories into later life. As we continue to live longer, it is important that we recognise that the lifelong health of women today and of generations to come is now severely jeopardised. The landscape of reproductive rights for women in the USA was drastically altered on June 24, 2022, when the Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade and Planned Parenthood v Casey, thereby removing the constitutional right to abortion. The response was swift, with abortions expected to be banned in 26 states. Globally, 41% of women of childbearing age live in countries with restrictive abortion laws and, as a result, approximately 23 000 women die from unsafe abortions each year. Stripping women of reproductive rights therefore has immediate effects on their health and wellbeing, with unsafe pregnancies and dangerous self-managed abortions increasing the risk of maternal mortality and crippling mental health issues. It is important to look beyond these immediate effects to understand the long-term impact of abortion bans on ageing outcomes in women. Research has shown that access to abortions results in higher educational attainment and higher labour force participation for women; a study assessing abortion legislation in 97 countries showed that access to abortion led to a decrease in fertility rates, which in turn increased labour force participation for women. As gendered social roles largely dictate that women shoulder the bulk of childcare responsibilities, the decision to have children must often be considered in the context of education or careers, and women are left juggling competing roles. Education and workforce participation have been shown to reduce the risk of multimorbidity, functional problems, and cognitive decline. For example, the ongoing cognitive stimulation afforded by education and employment aids in bolstering cognitive reserve, which in turn can mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Thus, depriving women of reproductive choice and thereby access to education, careers, and economic empowerment is likely to have lifelong, devastating effects on women as they age. Although women are still less likely than men to participate in higher education and employment and are more likely to assume unpaid or domestic labour roles, the past century has seen gendered roles challenged. The narrowing of the gender gap in access to these opportunities has resulted in a narrowed gap in ageing outcomes. A study assessed the effects of birth cohort and education level on cognitive ageing and showed that, while men in earlier birth cohorts and in the low education group performed better on a cognitive battery, women in later birth cohorts and in the high education group outperformed men. Similarly, another study that explored the effect of education and labour force participation on sex differences in functional limitations by birth cohort found that the higher prevalence of limitations in older women, compared with men, from early birth cohorts was attenuated when socioeconomic factors were accounted for, and was entirely eliminated in more recent birth cohorts. The findings of these studies show the crucial contribution of education and employment opportunities to gender differences in cognitive and physical health outcomes in later life, and signal targets for interventions to forge gender parity and thereby promote healthy ageing in women. The 1973 Roe v Wade decision was monumental in granting American women the freedom to delay childrearing in the interest of pursuing education and careers, with cascading positive effects on health and wellbeing in older age. The Supreme Court's overturning of this decision has stripped millions of women of the human right to age in good health, therefore reversing years of progress to reduce gender disparities in healthy ageing. Although the decision only affects the USA, it has wider implications as it could set a precedent for other countries. Hopefully, its media prominence will guide attention to the importance of promoting reproductive rights globally to protect healthy ageing in women. This is particularly pertinent in regions that have restricted access to family planning services for women and that are experiencing rapid population ageing, primarily sub-Saharan Africa, northern Africa, and western Asia. Reproductive rights are basic human rights, and removing these not only endangers the immediate health of young women but also lays a precarious foundation for their health trajectories into later life. As we continue to live longer, it is important that we recognise that the lifelong health of women today and of generations to come is now severely jeopardised.

Age–Period–Cohort Effect on the Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Beaver Dam Eye Study

The spread of disease related to hepatitis B and C poses a significant public health problem. There have been a few studies that examine the effects of cohort and period on the trend of mortality caused by hepatitis B and C. This analysis aims to use an Age-Period-Cohort framework to explore trends in mortality attributed to hepatitis B and C worldwide and in different socio-demographic index (SDI) regions between 1990 and 2019. The data for this analysis were taken from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, which was used to perform an age-period-cohort analysis. The age effects reflect differences in exposure to risk factors at different stages of life. The period effects reflect population-wide exposures at a circumscribed year. The cohort effects indicate different risks across birth cohorts. The results of the analysis include both the net drift and local drift, which are reported as the annual percentage change and that by age group. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for hepatitis B declined from 12.36 to 6.74 per 100,000, and for hepatitis C from 8.45 to 6.67 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2019. The net drifts in mortality were -2.41% (95% CI -2.47 to -2.34) for hepatitis B and -1.16% (95% CI, -1.23 to -1.09) for hepatitis C, with negative local drifts in most age groups. Mortality from hepatitis B increased with age until 50+ years, while mortality from hepatitis C rose steadily with age. The period effect for hepatitis B was profound, suggesting effective national efforts in controlling the disease and the need for similar programs for hepatitis B and C. Mortality varied across the world and had moderate to weak negative correlations with the SDI, which substantially decreases in the High-middle and Middle SDI regions, but has persistently high rates in the low SDI region. Global efforts to manage hepatitis B and C have shown positive trends, but variations in trends were observed across regions with divergent age, cohort, and period effects. The national efforts of a comprehensive strategy are crucial to further strengthen the elimination of hepatitis B and C. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.