Gender differences in the associations between cognition and expectations regarding aging

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Emerging research suggests a link between negative aging perceptions and cognitive decline.
• Previous findings on this association have been inconsistent, potentially due to unexamined factors like gender and cognitive status.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions for healthy aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations of gender, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and their interaction with expectations regarding aging (ERA).
• To examine the relationship between subjective/objective cognitive measures and ERA in cognitively normal (CN) and MCI individuals.
• To clarify discrepancies in previous research by considering gender and cognitive status.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional data from 1,562 participants (ages 72-79) in the Personality and Total Health Through Life Project (PATH).
• ERA assessed using the 12-item ERA scale (global, physical, mental, cognitive expectations).
• Cognitive function measured via objective neuropsychological tests (global cognition, memory, working memory, processing speed) and subjective memory complaints.

Main Results:

• Among CN participants, women reported more positive ERA than men.
• Participants with MCI exhibited lower ERA compared to CN individuals.
• Subjective memory complaints were associated with lower ERA in both CN and MCI groups.

Conclusions:

• Greater current cognitive function is associated with more positive expectations regarding aging (ERA).
• Interventions promoting brain health should consider incorporating components that foster positive ERA.
• For individuals with cognitive decline, strategies encouraging realistic yet optimistic aging perceptions warrant further investigation.