Childhood Parental Relationships and Cognitive Health in Later Life
Author Information
Author(s): Zhu Xi
Primary Institution: Baylor University
Hypothesis
How do childhood parental relationships affect cognitive health in older adults?
Conclusion
Childhood parental love is linked to better memory in later life, while dysfunctional relationships are associated with worse memory.
Supporting Evidence
- Childhood parental love and affection are related to better self-rated memory in later life.
- Dysfunctional parental relationships are associated with worse self-rated memory.
- Childhood parental relationships show no association with objective cognitive function among older adults.
- Self-esteem and sense of control significantly mediate the relationship between childhood parental relationships and later-life subjective cognition.
Takeaway
How you got along with your parents when you were little can affect how you remember things when you are older.
Methodology
Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth (1979-2020) was used to analyze the impact of childhood parental relationships on cognitive health in older adults.
Limitations
The study does not address the impact of objective cognitive function in relation to childhood parental relationships.
Participant Demographics
Older adults, specifics not provided.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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