Intelligence and Interleukin-6 in Older Adults: The Role of Repetitive Thought.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Higher intelligence quotient (IQ) correlates with lower systemic inflammation, consistent with an association between lower IQ and disease risk. The present study examined the role of repetitive thought (RT) in the relationship between IQ and interleukin (IL)-6. RT is thinking attentively, repeatedly, and frequently about oneself and one's world and is characterized by valence (positive-negative), purpose (searching-solving), and total quantity (much-little).

Methods

Estimated IQ and RT dimension scores were assessed at baseline in a sample of older adults (N = 120, mean age = 74 years), who thereafter had blood drawn up to 10 times semiannually (n = 799). Models were adjusted for body mass index, chronological age, and statin medication.

Results

Higher IQ w

SUBMITTER: Segerstrom SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5573645 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature