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. 2009 Oct;32(5):540-50.
doi: 10.1002/nur.20340.

Factors associated with cognition in adults: the Seattle Longitudinal Study

Fang Yu  1 , Lindsay H Ryan, K Warner Schaie, Sherry L Willis, Ann Kolanowski
Affiliations

Factors associated with cognition in adults: the Seattle Longitudinal Study

Fang Yu et al. Res Nurs Health. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

A better understanding of factors that affect cognition could lead to improved health and greater independence for older adults. We examined the association of four modifiable factors (leisure-time physical activity, leisure-time cognitive activity, self-directed work, and hypertension) with changes in two aspects of fluid intelligence (verbal memory and inductive reasoning). Data for 626 adults collected over 14 years (three time points) were analyzed by multi-level modeling. A component of self-directed work, higher work control, was associated with better verbal memory (p < .05) and inductive reasoning (p < .01). There were no significant interactions among these factors. The findings suggest that a strong sense of control at work may be protective for fluid intelligence in adults.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Interaction of age and time-in study in the prediction of verbal memory in a sample of 50, 60, and 70 year olds (at the first occasion).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Interaction of age and time-in study in the prediction of inductive reasoning in a sample of 50, 60, and 70 year olds (at the first occasion).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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