5 results
1 Social Support is Associated with Better Memory Performance among Hispanic/Latino, but not Non-Hispanic White Older Adults
- Abbey M Hamlin, Jordana Breton, Nazareth Ortega, Joaquin Urquiza-Perez, Lauren Eisenstat, Megan Perry, Thaha Hossain, Sanya Kotian, Alexandra L Clark
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 317-318
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Objective:
Hispanic/Latino (H/L) older adults are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW), and there is an urgent need to identify important factors that may help prevent and/or reduce age-related cognitive health disparities. Positive psychosocial factors, such as social support, may protect against cognitive impairment and decline. However, recent research has highlighted that the effect of social support on cognitive outcomes may differ across racial/ethnic groups. Given the emphasis placed on family relationships and support in H/L culture, the current study sought to clarify whether H/L ethnicity moderated the association between social support and cognitive functioning in a well-characterized sample of community-dwelling older adults residing in Texas.
Participants and Methods:Participants included 766 NHW and 817 H/L (predominantly Mexican American) older adults (Mage = 66.25 ±8.64) without dementia enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities. Participants completed study questionnaires and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Perceived social support was measured using the total sum score from the 12-item abbreviated version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Episodic memory performance was operationalized as the z-score composite of the immediate and delayed recall totals from the Spanish English Verbal Learning Test and the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS)-III Logical Memory 1 and 2. Executive functioning was operationalized as the z-score composite of scores from the WMS-III Digit Span, Verbal Fluency (FAS), and Trails B. Analyses of covariance were used to explore racial/ethnic group differences in self-reported levels of social support. Multiple linear regression models examined (1) ethnicity x social support interactions on cognition, and (2) ethnicity-stratified social support and cognition associations. Covariates included age, education, sex, yearly income, and depressive symptoms.
Results:H/L older adults reported less perceived social support compared to NHWs (F = 41.16, p < .001). There were no significant ethnicity x social support interactions on episodic memory (ß = 0.04, p = .53) or executive functioning (ß = 0.004, p = .95). However, stratified models revealed that more social support was associated with better memory performance in H/Ls (ß = 0.08, p = .01), but not in NHWs (ß = 0.0004, p = .99). No significant associations between social support and executive functioning were observed amongst H/Ls (ß = -0.01, p = .60) or NHWs (ß = 0.04, p = .29).
Conclusions:Although H/Ls reported lower levels of social support relative to NHWs, we observed that social support was linked to better memory performance within the H/L group only. Results suggest that culturally tailored interventions which encourage strong interpersonal relationships and caring for family could enhance social support in H/Ls and thus help to prevent memory decline. Future work should focus on the development of assessment measures that better characterize unique cultural elements of social support within H/Ls, such as multigenerational households, and explore the direct effects of social support on brain metrics.
5 Poorer Memory Outcomes are Observed in Underinsured Latino Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
- Jordana Breton, Abbey M Hamlin, Nazareth Ortega, Joaquin Urquiza-Perez, Thaha Hossain, Megan Perry, Lauren Eisenstat, Sanya Kotian, Alexandra L Clark
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 787-788
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Objective:
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of deleterious cardiometabolic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) that have been linked to cognitive impairment and accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. Research has shown that Latinos are at increased risk for developing MetS relative to non-Latino Whites and the prevention, maintenance, and treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors are largely contingent upon health insurance status. Within the United States there are considerable state-based differences in eligibility and access to health insurance coverage. Although Texas has the second largest population of Latinos, they are one of the most underinsured groups within the state. There is some evidence to suggest that inconsistent healthcare is associated with cognitive impairment among underserved/underprivileged groups. The current study sought to examine whether insurance status moderates the association between MetS and cognitive functioning in an effort to inform public health policy initiatives vital to reducing age-related health disparities amongst Latino older adults residing in Texas.
Participants and Methods:The study sample included 850 primarily Spanish-speaking (67.6%) Latino older adults (mean age = 63.1±7.81) largely of Mexican origin/descent (95%) enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities. All participants completed neuropsychological testing, a health exam, and questions about health insurance coverage. MetS status (MetS+ vs. MetS-) was determined by abnormal clinical abdominal obesity, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, and fasting glucose values. Health insurance status was determined by current enrollment in any private or public insurance plan. Cognition was assessed with Digit Span, Logical Memory I and II, Trail Making Test (A and B), Spanish-English Verbal Learning Test, and Letter Fluency (FAS). Raw scores were converted to z-scores which were subsequently averaged into two distinct memory and executive functioning composite scores. ANCOVAs controlling for age, sex, education, APOE e4 positivity, annual income, and primary language status were used examine health insurance status x MetS interactions on cognitive composites.
Results:Approximately 54.6% of the sample met clinical criteria for MetS+ and 23.6% endorsed having no health insurance. There were no significant group differences in the proportion of MetS+ and MetS- individuals with and without health insurance (X 2 = .002, p =.96). Results revealed there was a significant MetS x health insurance status interaction on the memory composite (F = 5.39, p = .02). Post-hoc comparisons revealed that Latino older adults without health insurance demonstrated poorer memory performance relative to those with health insurance in the MetS+ group (p=.02). In contrast, there were no significant differences in memory performance across insurance status in the MetS- group (p=.35). Finally, there was no significant MetS x health insurance interaction on executive functioning (p=.60).
Conclusions:Findings revealed that health insurance coverage differentially impacts memory, but not executive functioning, amongst Latinos with MetS+. Underinsured Latinos with chronic cardiometabolic health conditions may be at risk for poor memory outcomes and increasing access to affordable healthcare could help mitigate the adverse effects of MetS+ on memory. Future studies examining the relationship between health insurance, MetS status, and neuroimaging markers may yield additional insight into mechanisms underlying age-related dementia disparities.
Readiness to change, insight and motivation in hospitalized alcohol-dependent patients in three countries
- M. Slepecky, V. Stanislav, A. Kotianova, M. Kotian, J. Ryniak, B. Betkovka Korpala, M. Zatkova, M. Popelkova, J. Prasko, K. Latalova
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 41 / Issue S1 / April 2017
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 March 2020, pp. s878-s879
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Introduction
Alcohol dependence is a serious problem in Central Europe and the treatment effect depends on level of patient's motivation. The theory of change assumes that therapeutic approaches should be adapted to the motivation stage.
ObjectivesTo examine the state of readiness to change at the beginning and the end of inpatient 6-week and 12-week therapeutic program in Slovakia, Poland, and Czechia.
AimTo compare readiness to change with insight and motivation. To find out, whether patients change during the therapeutic program and how this change leads to advances in treatment.
MethodsA total of 380 inpatients were examined using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES), Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ), and Demographic Questionnaire.
ResultsMeasured by AUDIT, single patients declared higher severity of alcohol dependence than married or divorced patients. A majority of patients were at the stage of action (68.5%) or preparation (26.3%) according to RCQ at the beginning of the treatment. Readiness to change was higher at the end of both programs in terms of taking steps in married patients and in terms of Decreasing of Ambivalence in single patients. The results of the 6-week program appear to be slightly better than 12-week treatment.
ConclusionsThe intention and motivation to treatment changed during therapy. Marital status may increase the active component for readiness to change, while passive component (decreasing the ambivalence) is observed in single patients. Duration of the program does not seem to be crucial for readiness to change.
Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Life events, quality of life, autonomic nervous system, and cardiovascular risk factors
- M. Slepecky, I. Majercak, E. Gyorgyova, A. Kotianova, M. Kotian, M. Zatkova, M. Chupacova, M. Popelkova, M. Ociskova, J. Prasko, I. Gallová
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 41 / Issue S1 / April 2017
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 March 2020, pp. S376-S377
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Background
Psychological distress is considered as a component of the cardiovascular risk. The present study aims to determine which psychophysiological, electrocardiographic and anthropometric factors are correlated with life events, depression and quality of life in healthy adults.
MethodA total of 114 adults were examined using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Physiological measures included heart rate variability, skin conductance level and skin temperature. Anthropometric characteristics included weight, height, hip size, waistline, blood pressure, heart rate at rest and after mental activity, muscle mass, fat stock, percentage of the body fat, segmental distribution of muscle and fat mass, fat-free mass and the water content in the body. Finally, data from electrocardiographic examination included aortic pulse wave velocity, central aortic pressure and augmentation index.
ResultsLife events in last two years correlate with worse quality of life and a higher level of depression. Life events in last two years also correlate with the increase of the risk factors for cardiovascular problems in terms of several anthropometric and physiological measures. Finally, life events in last two years was also related with the overweight.
ConclusionsResults suggest some possible mechanisms by which stress may exert adverse effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy persons. Primary preventive strategies with the stress management training may prove beneficial.
Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Coping, schemas and cardiovascular risks – Study protocol
- M. Slepecky, J. Prasko, I. Majercak, E. Gyorgyova, A. Kotianova, M. Zatkova, M. Chupacova, I. Tonhajzerova, M. Popelkova, M. Kotian
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 41 / Issue S1 / April 2017
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 March 2020, p. S765
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Introduction
According indicators from the OECD in 2015, cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of mortality in most OECD countries. But main risk factor, as smoking, obesity, hypertension or physical activity do not explain that Slovak republic was the worst from OECD countries with number 404 age-standardized rates per 100,000 population.
ObjectivesDetermine which psychological, psycho-physiological and anthropometrics factors are at risk of cardiovascular diseases:
AimThe aim is to determine, which risk psychological, psycho-physiological and anthropometrics markers are remarkable in time, when individual subjectively perceives himself as health. Based on the analysis of these correlates will be identified predictors, mediators and moderators of the cardiovascular diseases from the area of psychological variables, which accentuates the clinical picture of a patient with cardiovascular disease. Another aim is to identify specific risk factors for target advice on a lifestyle modification and creation of an interdisciplinary methodology for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
MethodsProject is aimed to clarify the relation between psychological factors (measuring by personal inventories as temperament predispositions, maladaptive schemes, coping, personality characteristics), balance of autonomic nervous system (by measuring HRV, skin conductance, muscle tension, respiration, and surface temperature), anthropometrics characteristics (BMI, weight, height) with potential symptoms of cardiovascular diseases confirmed in cardiac evaluation (12-lead ECG), blood pressure, examination of pulse wave, and data of arteriographic examination.
ConclusionsThe results of the study can help to the better understanding of the interface between psychological factors and cardiovascular problems, which help to find new diagnostic, preventive and treatment approaches.
Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.