The Influence of Lifestyle Factors on Cognitive Performance in Irish Adults Aged 50 and Over

Hannigan, Caoimhe, Brennan, Sabina, Coen, Robert F., Robertson, Ian H. and Lawlor, Brian A. (2014) The Influence of Lifestyle Factors on Cognitive Performance in Irish Adults Aged 50 and Over. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 183 (7). S376-S377. ISSN 1863-4362

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Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence to support the idea that potentially modifiable lifestyle and health factors are related to cognitive function in old age; and that these factors may influence both risk for cognitive decline, and the successful maintenance of brain health and cognitive function, as we get older (Kramer et al. 2004; Mangialasche et al. 2012). For example, engaging in negative health behaviours such as smoking, or low levels of physical activity, may result in an increased risk of cognitive decline among older adults.

Methods: Participants were normally ageing adults aged 50+ (N = 556) with a mean age of 64.5 years (SD 7.4). Participants completed a comprehensive assessment battery including neuropsychological, cognitive, and psychological measurement tools, along with self-report questionnaires and scales to measure lifestyle factors
that may be associated with the successful maintenance of cognitive function and brain health among older adults.
Protective factors that have been suggested to promote successful maintenance of brain health include engagement in social and mentally stimulating activities, high socioeconomic status, education and optimal levels of physical activity. We aim to build on the existing
literature by investigating relationships between a range of lifestyle factors and cognitive performance among a large sample of normally ageing Irish adults.

Results: Cross-sectional analyses will be presented to examine the relationships between cognitive performance and various lifestyle factors, including physical activity, participation in mentally stimulating activity, health behaviours, social engagement, and socioeconomic status indicators.

Conclusions: Implications of the findings in relation to future research and possible intervention strategies will be discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	25 Sep 2018 08:18
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2018 08:18
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3196

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