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Factor analysis of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument: Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study
- Hardeep K. Obhi, Jennifer A. Margrett, Daniel W. Russell, Peter Martin, Leonard W. Poon, Kamal Masaki, Bradley J. Willcox
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- Journal:
- International Psychogeriatrics / Volume 34 / Issue 6 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 25 June 2020, pp. 543-551
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- Article
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Objective:
The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) is a screening test of global cognitive function used in research and clinical settings. However, the CASI was developed using face validity and has not been investigated via empirical tests such as factor analyses. Thus, we aimed to develop and test a parsimonious conceptualization of the CASI rooted in cognitive aging literature reflective of crystallized and fluid abilities.
Design:Secondary data analysis implementing confirmatory factor analyses where we tested the proposed two-factor solution, an alternate one-factor solution, and conducted a χ2 difference test to determine which model had a significantly better fit.
Setting:N/A.
Participants:Data came from 3,491 men from the Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.
Measurements:The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument.
Results:Findings demonstrated that both models fit the data; however, the two-factor model had a significantly better fit than the one-factor model. Criterion validity tests indicated that participant age was negatively associated with both factors and that education was positively associated with both factors. Further tests demonstrated that fluid abilities were significantly and negatively associated with a later-life dementia diagnosis.
Conclusions:We encourage investigators to use the two-factor model of the CASI as it could shed light on underlying cognitive processes, which may be more informative than using a global measure of cognition.
11 - Cognitive Functioning and Vitality among the Oldest Old: Implications for Well-Being
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- By Jennifer A. Margrett, Iowa State University, Benjamin T. Mast, University of Louisville, Maria C. Isales, University of Georgia, Leonard W. Poon, University of Georgia, Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, Tel Aviv University
- Edited by Leonard W. Poon, University of Georgia, Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, Tel-Aviv University
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- Book:
- Understanding Well-Being in the Oldest Old
- Published online:
- 05 August 2012
- Print publication:
- 11 April 2011, pp 186-212
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Summary
ABSTRACT
This chapter clarifies and differentiates changes in cognitive functioning among the oldest old at the group and individual levels. Cross-sectionally, the oldest old demonstrate normative differences of being more physically and cognitively frail compared to younger groups. More variation and successful aging is observed at the individual level. Some oldest-old individuals can perform at the same levels as adults 20 to 40 years younger. Recent literature has recognized that the concept of cognitive vitality transcends the absence of dementia or dementing processes. We seek to clarify the concept of cognitive vitality because it has not been well defined in the literature either theoretically or operationally. This chapter addresses the following questions: 1) What is cognitive vitality and how does it contribute to the well-being of older adults? 2) What factors or resources contribute to cognitive vitality among the oldest old? and 3) What new directions can be identified for future research?
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND VITALITY AMONG THE OLDEST OLD: IMPLICATIONS FOR WELL-BEING
Lay people and professionals alike fall prey to aging stereotypes and myths (Ory, Hoffman, Hawkins, Sanner, & Mockenhaupt, 2003), namely that cognitive decline is inevitable and there is nothing we can do about it. Empirical research has focused on comparing the cognitive performance of younger and older adults, often noting “deficits” in older adults' abilities without taking into account context and potentially meaningful qualitative differences in older adults' approaches to cognitive problems (e.g., Marsiske & Margrett, 2006).
8 - Resilience and longevity:
- Edited by Prem S. Fry, Trinity Western University, British Columbia, Corey L. M. Keyes, Emory University, Atlanta
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- Book:
- New Frontiers in Resilient Aging
- Published online:
- 06 December 2010
- Print publication:
- 29 July 2010, pp 213-238
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Summary
Abstract
Centenarians are survivors, and many among them exemplify sustained competence into very old age. This paper highlights three important resilience domains among centenarians: personal resilience (e.g., personality), cognitive resilience (e.g., intellectual functioning), and social and economic resilience (e.g., social support and economic resources). These psychosocial resources of resilience are linked to overall functioning and survivorship among centenarians. Our findings suggest that a “robust” personality, cognitive reserves, and social and economic resources are salient resilience factors necessary for survival and optimal functioning and well-being. To illustrate, personality traits (e.g., competence) and perceived economic status served as mediators between negative life stress and negative affect. With regard to cognition, some centenarians function very well despite low education or poor physical functioning. Finally, perceived economic status mediates the relation between physical functioning and negative affect. Taken together, we conclude that psychosocial resources and resilience are important components of quality of life in late life.
Introduction
Resilience is a descriptor placed on individuals or groups of individuals who survived in the face of adversities. Resilience has been used to describe survivors of the September 11, 2001 attack at the New York World Trade Center as well as the 2005 Katrina hurricane survivors in New Orleans. Masten (2001) defined resilience as “a class of phenomena characterized as good outcome in spite of serious threats to adaptation or development” (p. 227).