Dataset Information

Gender and Educational Differences in the Association between Lifestyle and Cognitive Decline over 10 Years: The Doetinchem Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline have been identified, but whether differences by gender and educational level exist is unclear.

Objective

The present study aims to clarify this by prospectively investigating the relationship between health and lifestyle factors and cognitive functioning in different subgroups defined by gender and educational level.

Methods

2,347 cognitive healthy individuals (mean age?=?54.8, SD?=?6.8, range: 41-71; 51.8% female; 26.2% low education) from the Doetinchem Cohort Study were examined for cognitive function at baseline, and at 5- and 10-year follow-up. Health- and lifestyle factors were captured by a poly-environmental risk score labelled 'LIfestyle for BRAin Health' (LIBRA). This score consists of 12 modifiable risk and protective factors for cognitive decline and dementia, with higher scores indicating greater risk (range: -2.7 to +12.7). Heterogeneity in associations between LIBRA and decline in verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, and mental speed between males and females and individuals with different levels of education were assessed in linear mixed models.

Results

Overall, higher LIBRA scores predicted faster decline in verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, and mental speed over 10 years. Higher LIBRA scores were further associated with increased risk for incident cognitive impairment (one-point increase in LIBRA: HR?=?1.09, 1.04-1.14, p?=?0.001). In general, these effects were similar across gender and educational level.

Conclusion

A composite risk score comprising unhealthy lifestyle and relatively poor health in midlife is significantly associated with a worse course of cognition 10 years later. These associations were for the most part unrelated to gender or educational differences.

SUBMITTER: Deckers K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6700651 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Gender and Educational Differences in the Association between Lifestyle and Cognitive Decline over 10 Years: The Doetinchem Cohort Study.

Deckers Kay K Nooyens Astrid A van Boxtel Martin M Verhey Frans F Verschuren Monique M Köhler Sebastian S

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD 20190101 s1

<h4>Background</h4>Several modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline have been identified, but whether differences by gender and educational level exist is unclear.<h4>Objective</h4>The present study aims to clarify this by prospectively investigating the relationship between health and lifestyle factors and cognitive functioning in different subgroups defined by gender and educational level.<h4>Methods</h4>2,347 cognitive healthy individuals (mean age = 54.8, SD = 6.8, range: 41-71; 51.8% f ...[more]

PMID: 30507570

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Dataset Information

Gender and Educational Differences in the Association between Lifestyle and Cognitive Decline over 10 Years: The Doetinchem Cohort Study.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Gender and Educational Differences in the Association between Lifestyle and Cognitive Decline over 10 Years: The Doetinchem Cohort Study.

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