Lifestyle and psychosocial associations with cognition at the cusp of midlife using twins and siblings
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Cognitive complexity and purpose-in-life enhance cognition in early midlife, while smoking and financial difficulties detract from it. These lifestyle factors are crucial for cognitive health, independent of genetics.
Area Of Science
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background
- Cognitive functioning declines with age, necessitating early identification of influencing factors.
- Midlife represents a critical period for establishing lifestyle habits that impact long-term cognitive health.
- Understanding modifiable factors is key for developing effective cognitive aging interventions.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the association between 59 modifiable and intrinsic factors and cognitive functioning in early midlife.
- To identify key lifestyle and psychological factors influencing cognitive performance.
- To explore the potential for dementia prevention through midlife interventions.
Main Methods
- Analysis of data from 1221 participants in the Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife).
- Assessment of 59 factors' impact on cognitive functioning using regularized regression and co-twin control models.
- Control for earlier-life cognitive functioning, gray matter volume, and genetic/familial confounders.
Main Results
- Eight robust factors were identified, including cognitive complexity, purpose-in-life, and smoking status.
- Higher cognitive complexity and purpose-in-life were associated with better cognitive performance.
- Smoking and financial difficulties were negatively associated with cognitive functioning, even within twin pairs.
Conclusions
- Early midlife cognitive functioning is linked to lifestyle and psychological factors, independent of prior cognition, brain status, or genetics.
- Established adulthood is a critical window for dementia prevention targeting modifiable lifestyle and psychosocial factors.
- Interventions focused on cognitive complexity, purpose-in-life, and smoking cessation may promote cognitive health in aging populations.
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