Baseline Purpose Oriented Life and Cognitive Outcomes (P04.220)

Abstract

Objective: We examined 1) the relationship between purpose oriented life measured in midlife and the outcome of late life cognitive function, 2) whether engagement in physical, social, and cognitive activities mediated the relationship between purpose oriented life and cognitive function. Background Purpose oriented life was reported to be associated with decreased incidence of dementia. Additionally, purposed oriented life has been hypothesized to be potentially neuroprotective, but this has not been empirically validated. Design/Methods: A historical cohort study derived from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study, an NIH funded nationwide community-based sample that investigates midlife exposure and cognitive outcomes in late life. The sample for this study constituted of 1003 participants (Aged 51 to 75 at baseline i.e. in 1995). At least there was one follow-up data on cognitive function during the ten years follow up period. Purpose oriented life at baseline and follow-up was measured by a Purpose in Life (PIL) questionnaire. Other measures included demographic and health information (baseline and follow-up), self-report questionnaire of leisure activities at follow-up, and telephone-administered composite measures of episodic memory and executive function at follow up. Results: Overall, there was a statistically significant but very small decline in PIL over time [baseline: mean (SD) = 16.05 (3.76); follow-up: M= 15.63 (3.66); t = 5.35, p Conclusions: A higher sense of purpose at baseline is associated with a higher cognitive function in late life. Leisure activities appear to mediate the impact of purpose oriented life on cognitive outcomes. Supported by: A grant from the National Institute on Aging (P01-AG020166) to conduct a longitudinal follow-up of the MIDUS (Midlife in the U.S.) investigation for collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data. The original study was supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Successful Midlife Development for collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data. Disclosure: Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Topazian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Geda has nothing to disclose.