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Episodic memory performance in a multi-ethnic longitudinal study of 13,037 elderly
Seonjoo Lee1, Xingtao Zhou2, Yizhe Gao3,4,5
1Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene and the Department of Biostatics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, United States of America.
Plos One
|November 22, 2018
Summary
Most elderly maintain memory function, but some experience decline. Declining memory is linked to ethnicity, education, APOE4, and significantly increases dementia risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Genetics
Background:
- Age-related memory changes vary, even without dementia.
- Understanding non-disease cognitive changes is key to aging research.
- Episodic memory decline is a significant concern in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize episodic memory trajectories in diverse elderly individuals.
- To identify factors influencing memory decline and dementia risk.
- To estimate dementia incidence rates across different demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- Latent Class Mixed Models used to analyze episodic memory trajectories in 13,037 diverse elderly participants (72-85 years).
- Follow-up data (2-15 years) included dementia status, age, sex, education, and APOE genotypes.
- Dementia incidence rates calculated for non-demented individuals (n=10,220).
Main Results:
- Two main trajectories identified: Stable and Decliner.
- Decliner group showed higher likelihood of non-white ethnicity, lower education, APOE4 allele, and 5x increased dementia risk.
- Steepest episodic memory decline observed in Caribbean-Hispanics; highest dementia incidence in oldest, Caribbean-Hispanics, and Decliners.
Conclusions:
- Age, education, ethnicity, and APOE genotype impact episodic memory maintenance.
- Memory decline is a strong predictor of incident dementia.
- Targeted interventions may be needed for at-risk elderly populations.
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