Factors associated with cognition in adults: the Seattle Longitudinal Study.

Full Abstract

A better understanding of factors that affect cognition could lead to improved health and greater independence for older adults. We examined the association of four modifiable factors (leisure-time physical activity, leisure-time cognitive activity, self-directed work, and hypertension) with changes in two aspects of fluid intelligence (verbal memory and inductive reasoning). Data for 626 adults collected over 14 years (three time points) were analyzed by multi-level modeling. A component of self-directed work, higher work control, was associated with better verbal memory (p < .05) and inductive reasoning (p < .01). There were no significant interactions among these factors. The findings suggest that a strong sense of control at work may be protective for fluid intelligence in adults.

Author information

Author/s: Yu, Fang (F); Ryan, Lindsay H (LH); Schaie, K Warner (KW); Willis, Sherry L (SL); Kolanowski, Ann (A);

Affiliation: University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 5-140 Weaver-Densford Hall 1331, 308 Harvard Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.

Grants: R37 AG08055 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS) ; RR023247-01 (Agency:NCRR NIH HHS) ; T32 MH18904 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Research in nursing & health (Res Nurs Health), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 32 (issue 5) : pp 540-50

Dates: Created 2009/09/15; Completed 2009/09/24;

PMID: 19606423, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/24/2009, IMS Date: )

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