Abstract
Self-reported memory problems are often the first indicator of cognitive decline; however, they are inconsistently associated with objective memory performance and are known to be influenced by individual factors, such as personality. The current study examined the relationships between personality traits and self-reported memory problems in cognitively intact older adults, and whether these associations differ across Black and White older adults. Data were collected annually via in-person comprehensive medical and neuropsychological examinations as part of the Einstein Aging Study. Community-dwelling older adults in an urban, multi-ethnic area of New York City were interviewed. The current study included a total of 425 older adults (Mage = 76.68, SD = 4.72, 62.59% female; 72.00% White). Multilevel modeling tested the associations of neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and agreeableness with self-reported memory problems. Results showed that neuroticism was positively related to frequency of memory problems and perceived ten-year memory decline only when other personality traits were not accounted for. Extraversion was negatively related to frequency of memory problems and perceived ten-year decline for both White and Black participants. However, conscientiousness was negatively related to perceived ten-year decline for Black participants only. Our findings highlight the importance of examining the association of all five personality traits with self-reported memory problems, as well as examining whether these associations differ for participants from different race/ethnicities.
Highlights
By 2060, the number of older adults in the United States will increase by over 20%, highlighting healthy aging as a public health priority [1]
The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of Five Factor Model (FFM) personality traits on self-reported memory problems among cognitively intact older adults and whether these relationships were
Most relationships were equivalent across the two racial groups in this sample, we found that conscientiousness impacted reports of perceived ten-year memory decline in Black older adults but not White
Summary
By 2060, the number of older adults in the United States will increase by over 20%, highlighting healthy aging as a public health priority [1]. One in four older adults experiences memory problems that can impede healthy aging [2]. Self-reported memory problems, even in the absence of clinically identifiable cognitive deficit, are associated with disruptions in daily activities, increased functional limitations, elevated injury risk over time, depressive symptoms, and a higher risk for incipient cognitive decline and dementia [3,4,5,6]. Deciphering the factors that influence older adults’ reports of memory problems would improve early.
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