Childhood Stressors, Relationship Quality, and Cognitive Health in Later Life.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The rising prevalence of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and related disorders signals the need for a better understanding of how social factors may affect cognitive health for millions of Americans. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we aim to understand the implications of a stressful childhood on social relationships and cognitive health in later life.

Methods

This study utilizes longitudinal data (2006-2016) from the Health and Retirement Study to examine pathways, both direct and indirect through social relationships in adulthood, from childhood stressors to cognitive health trajectories over time.

Results

Respondents reporting a greater number of stressors in childhood had worse cognitive health over time, but those negative effects

SUBMITTER: Thomas PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9255934 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature