Childhood infectious diseases and old age cognitive functioning: a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cumulative evidence suggests that health-related risk factors during midlife and old-age are associated with cognitive impairment. However, studies are needed to clarify the association between early-life risk factors and impaired cognitive functioning to increment existing knowledge.

Objective

To examine the association between childhood infectious diseases and late-life cognitive functioning in a nationally representative sample of older adults.

Participants

Eligible respondents were 2994 community-dwelling individuals aged 65-85.

Measurements

Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Childhood infectious diseases (i.e. chicken pox, measles, and mumps) were self-reported. The study covariates were age, sex,

SUBMITTER: Rotstein A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8482372 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature