DO ADVERSE ADULT LIFE EVENTS MODERATE THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY ON COGNITION AFTER AGE 50?

Abstract

Abstract Population-based studies of childhood adversity and adulthood trauma have shown varying prevalence and incidence rates due to differences in conceptualization and assessment of these events. Adverse childhood and adult events are prevalent in the general population and have deleterious effects on adult health over the life course. Exposure to adverse childhood events (ACEs) (i.e., household dysfunction) and adverse adult events (AAEs) (i.e., history of military combat or incarceration) can shape health behaviors, overall health, and disease trajectories. Despite the well-known lasting health effects of ACEs and AAEs, little is known about these events’ singular and cumulative effects on cognitive health in mid to late life. The objective of this study is to examine if AAEs moderate the relationship between ACEs and cognitive functioning. Data was utilized from the 2010–2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (N =3,320). Latent Growth Curve Modeling indicated that one or more ACEs were associated with a significant decrease in cognitive functioning (β=-0.19, p < .05). However, one or more AAEs were not significantly associated with a decrease in cognitive functioning (β=-0.19,p>.05). Finally, moderation analysis shows that AAEs do not significantly moderate the relationship between ACEs and cognitive functioning (β=-.32, p>.05). A better understanding of the timing and distribution of exposures to ACEs and AAEs can support targeting interventions and prevention screening measures. Inclusion of ACEs and AAEs in cognitive assessments could provide information about modifiable risk factors to reduce the potential negative impact of these stressors on cognitive aging trajectories in mid to late life.