Gender differences in the associations between cognition and expectations regarding aging

Abstract

Emerging evidence has reported associations between more negative views on aging and poorer performance on cognitive tasks. However, findings have been inconsistent. Gender differences and the cognitive status of participants may help explain these discrepancies. This study therefore investigated (a) the associations of gender, presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and their interaction with expectations regarding aging (ERA, a measure assessing views on aging); and (b) the associations between subjective and objective cognitive measures and ERA in cognitively normal (CN) individuals and those with MCI. We report cross-sectional data from the Personality and Total Health Through Life Project (PATH), comprising 1,562 participants (48% females, M age = 75.06 (SD = 1.50), age range = 72–79). ERA were assessed using the 12-item ERA scale, covering global ERA and domain-specific expectations related to physical health, mental health, and cognitive function. Objectively-assessed global cognition, memory, working memory, and processing speed, and subjective memory complaints were assessed using standardized neuropsychological test batteries. Multiple linear regression models were estimated. Among CN participants, women reported more positive ERA than men (β = 4.42, p < .001). Participants with MCI exhibited lower ERA than CN individuals (β = –6.05, p < .001). Subjective memory complaints were associated with lower ERA both in CN (β = –5.38, p < .001) and MCI (β = –8.85, p < .01) participants. Findings support an association between greater current cognition and more positive ERA. Interventions promoting brain health could benefit from a component fostering positive ERA. For individuals experiencing cognitive decline, future research may evaluate strategies that encourage the maintenance of realistic, yet optimistic aging perceptions.

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