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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Complexity of primary lifetime occupation and cognition in advanced old age
Ross Andel1, Ingemar Kåreholt, Marti G Parker
1School of Aging Studies, MHC 1321, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA. randel@cas.usf.edu.
Objective:
The authors explored the association between complexity of primary lifetime occupation and cognition in older adulthood.
Method:
The study included 386 participants from the Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old, a nationally representative sample aged 77 years or older. The authors examined complexity of work with data, people, and things in relation to cognitive functioning, measured with a shortened version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and cognitive impairment based on MMSE score cutoff.
Results:
Complexity of work with data and people were associated with better MMSE scores, controlling for age, sex, childhood socioeconomic status, and education. The association between complexity of work with data and MMSE remained statistically significant when adult occupational status was substituted for education as a covariate.
Discussion:
Complexity of primary lifetime occupation may be reflected in cognitive functioning even in advanced old age. This effect may be independent of education or occupational status.
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