Family Support and Dementia Risk Factors in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Lin Zhuoer, Yin Xuecheng, Levy Becca, Yuan Yue, Chen Xi
Primary Institution: University of Illinois Chicago
Hypothesis
The study examines the association of children’s residential proximity and spousal presence with key modifiable risk factors for dementia in cognitively impaired older adults.
Conclusion
Family support from spouses and nearby children serves as a protective factor against modifiable dementia risk factors in cognitively impaired older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- 47.0% of older adults with cognitive impairment lacked access to family support with no spouse.
- 25.2% of older adults had all children living over 10 miles away.
- Those with less family support had a higher prevalence of smoking, depressive symptoms, and social isolation.
Takeaway
Having family close by, like children living nearby or a spouse, helps older people with memory problems avoid things that can make their condition worse.
Methodology
Analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (1995-2018) using mixed-effects logistic regressions.
Participant Demographics
Persons aged 50 and older with cognitive impairment.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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