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ABSTRACT: Objectives
Maintaining cognitive function is an important component of healthy aging. There is increasing recognition that extraneous factors expedite the typical cognitive aging process. Risk factors for cognitive decline cluster around inequalities and disproportionally affect minority and vulnerable groups. Taking a minority stress approach, we examined the relationship between proxy measures of minority stress and cognitive health in a large sample of Canadians aged 45-85 years.Methods
Data were drawn from the baseline of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a prospective cohort study. Memory (n = 36,849) and executive function (n = 36,266) were assessed using standardized assessment tools. We ran multiple linear regression models with memory and executive function as the outcomes. Explanatory variables included known correlates of cognitive health (i.e., demographic, health, and cognitive reserve) and proxy measures of minority stress (i.e., sexual orientation, race, and perceived social standing).Results
Results were consistent with existing evidence showing that demographic and health variables were associated with cognitive performance. Modifiable health variables, walking, and fruit/vegetable consumption were associated with better cognitive performance, as were cognitive reserve and social support measures. Within the models, racial minority status was consistently associated with lower cognitive performance. As one's perceived social standing within their own community increased, so too did cognitive function.Discussion
These findings identify factors that may put people at risk for cognitive decline. There is a need to support the cognitive health of racialized Canadians and members of other disadvantaged groups, while promoting health equity.
SUBMITTER: Stinchcombe A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9159064 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Stinchcombe Arne A Hammond Nicole G NG
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences 20220601 6
<h4>Objectives</h4>Maintaining cognitive function is an important component of healthy aging. There is increasing recognition that extraneous factors expedite the typical cognitive aging process. Risk factors for cognitive decline cluster around inequalities and disproportionally affect minority and vulnerable groups. Taking a minority stress approach, we examined the relationship between proxy measures of minority stress and cognitive health in a large sample of Canadians aged 45-85 years.<h4>M ...[more]