Impact of Immigration Timing on Medication Non-Adherence and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Fang Yuan, Han Jayoung
Primary Institution: Binghamton University, State University of New York
Hypothesis
Does immigration timing moderate the relationship between medication non-adherence and cognitive function in older adults?
Conclusion
Medication non-adherence is a significant predictor of cognitive decline, with later immigration worsening cognitive vulnerability.
Supporting Evidence
- Medication non-adherence, immigrant status, and older age at immigration were associated with lower cognitive scores.
- Higher education was positively associated with cognitive function.
- Significant negative interactions indicated that immigration status, timing, and education moderated the impact of medication non-adherence on cognitive decline.
Takeaway
If older immigrants don't take their medicine as prescribed, it can hurt their thinking skills, especially if they moved to the U.S. later in life.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study was analyzed, focusing on adults over 65 years, using a moderated moderation model to assess the relationship between medication non-adherence and cognitive scores.
Participant Demographics
Adults over 65 years, including immigrants and non-immigrants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0006, p<0.0001, p=0.0003
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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