Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Ageism, encompassing positive and negative stereotypes, influences self-perception and health via Stereotype Embodiment Theory (SET).
• Understanding ageism perception differences is crucial for aging populations.
• This study investigates ageism in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) versus normal controls (NC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perceived ageism between individuals with MCI and NC.
• To analyze gender differences in ageism perception.
• To explore interactions between cognitive status and gender on ageism perception.

Main Methods:

• 188 participants (60-88 years) with NC (n=136) and MCI (n=52) completed the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ).
• Generalized linear models analyzed relationships between ageism, cognitive status, gender, and interactions.
• Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) classified cognitive status.

Main Results:

• No overall differences in positive or negative ageism between MCI and NC groups.
• Positive ageism perception was significantly predicted by lower cognitive status and the interaction of gender and cognitive status.
• Men with MCI reported higher positive ageism than women with MCI; this was not observed in the NC group.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive status and gender interact to shape perceptions of positive ageism.
• Men with MCI perceive aging more favorably, aligning with societal views of male wisdom.
• Women with MCI do not share these positive perceptions, potentially reflecting societal devaluation of aging in women.