Repetitive negative thinking is associated with cognitive function decline in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Psychological issues like depression and anxiety are known risk factors for cognitive impairment in older adults.
• The precise mechanisms linking psychological disorders to cognitive decline remain unclear.
• Repetitive negative thinking (RNT), a symptom of common psychological disorders, may be a shared modifiable process contributing to cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and cognitive function in older adults.
• To explore RNT as a potential mediator in the development of cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 424 adults aged 60 and above.
• Assessed RNT using the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ).
• Evaluated cognitive function with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA); analyzed data using multivariable linear regression and subgroup analyses.

Main Results:

• Higher RNT scores (quartiles 3 and 4) were associated with significantly lower cognitive function scores compared to the lowest quartile (Q1).
• Subgroup analyses indicated that older adults aged 60-79 with higher education levels and high RNT scores were more susceptible to cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

• A significant negative association exists between repetitive negative thinking and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.
• Further multi-center, longitudinal cohort studies are recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this relationship.