Abstract P349: Psychosocial Resources and Stressors Associated With Cognition Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanics/Latinos: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence suggests that psychosocial factors, e.g., resources and stressors, are associated with cognitive function and risk for dementia in non-Latino Whites and Blacks. Less is known about the associations between psychosocial factors and cognitive function among Hispanics/Latinos, a group at high risk for dementia. Hypothesis: Psychosocial resources ( ethnic identity , familism , family cohesion , life engagement , optimism , social network embeddedness , and social support ) will be positively associated, and stressors ( ethnic discrimination , loneliness , and subjective social status ) negatively associated with global cognition [GC] and individual test scores for verbal learning, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed. Methods: Data from the parent HCHS/SOL and its SCAS were used (N = 2,792; ages 45-74). Cognitive function was assessed using standardized tests and GC score was derived from individual test scores. Psychosocial factors were self-reported; higher scores indicate greater levels. Cross-sectional associations between each psychosocial factor and cognition were examined using weighted linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, Hispanic/Latino background, income, education, depressive symptoms, field center, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, diet quality, and physical activity. Results: In final models (see Table 1), ethnic identity , life engagement , and social support were positively associated with GC, and familism and loneliness were negatively associated with GC. Family cohesion , optimism , social network embeddedness , ethnic discrimination , and subjective social status were not associated with GC. Life engagement and social support were positively associated with all individual test scores. Conclusions: Life engagement and s ocial support may be particularly important psychosocial resources for cognitive health among Hispanics/Latinos. Longitudinal associations and their underlying mechanisms should be explored.