Childhood Moves and Memory in Later Life
Author Information
Author(s): Hamlin Abbey, Alhasan Dana, Meier Helen, Manning Mark, Yu Xuexin, Gutierrez Sirena, Webster Noah
Primary Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Hypothesis
Does childhood residential change affect later life memory trajectories?
Conclusion
Fewer childhood moves are linked to better initial memory but faster memory decline, while moving due to financial difficulties does not affect initial memory but leads to faster decline.
Supporting Evidence
- Fewer childhood moves were associated with a higher initial average memory level.
- Fewer childhood moves were linked to a faster rate of memory decline.
- Moving due to financial difficulties was associated with faster memory decline.
Takeaway
If you moved a lot as a kid, you might remember things better at first, but you could forget them faster when you get older.
Methodology
Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between childhood residential change and memory function.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent diverse racial/ethnic samples due to sparse research.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 57.5 years; 82.1% non-Hispanic White, 12.7% non-Hispanic Black, 5.2% Other/Unknown.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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