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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
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Cognitive Impairment in Grandparents: A Systematic Review
Alexandra Rafael1,2, Lídia Sousa1,3,4, Sónia Martins4,5
1Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.
Psychiatry Investigation
|August 2, 2021
Summary
Grandparenting may positively impact cognitive function in older adults. However, research shows mixed results and a need for more robust studies to confirm this link.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Grandparenting is a common role for older adults.
- The impact of caregiving on cognitive health is an area of growing interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the relationship between grandparenting and cognitive impairment in older persons.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Searched multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, EBSCOhost) up to August 2018.
- Independent selection and quality appraisal by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Eight studies were included (five original studies, one review, two editorials).
- Four original studies indicated a positive effect of grandparenting on cognition.
- One study found no evidence of a causal effect, and some suggested negative impacts with high frequency grandparenting.
Conclusions:
- A trend suggests a positive effect of grandchild care on grandparents' cognition.
- Significant heterogeneity in methodologies and risk of bias were noted.
- Further robust research is needed to confirm findings and address limitations.
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