Midlife Adults Research Articles

Dementia risk and thalamic nuclei volumetry in healthy midlife adults: the PREVENT Dementia study.

A reduction in the volume of the thalamus and its nuclei has been reported in Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and asymptomatic individuals with risk factors for early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Some studies have reported thalamic atrophy to occur prior to hippocampal atrophy, suggesting thalamic pathology may be an early sign of cognitive decline. We aimed to investigate volumetric differences in thalamic nuclei in middle-aged, cognitively unimpaired people with respect to dementia family history and apolipoprotein ε4 allele carriership and the relationship with cognition. Seven hundred participants aged 40-59 years were recruited into the PREVENT Dementia study. Individuals were stratified according to dementia risk (approximately half with and without parental dementia history). The subnuclei of the thalamus of 645 participants were segmented on T1-weighted 3 T MRI scans using FreeSurfer 7.1.0. Thalamic nuclei were grouped into six regions: (i) anterior, (ii) lateral, (iii) ventral, (iv) intralaminar, (v) medial and (vi) posterior. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the computerized assessment of the information-processing battery. Robust linear regression was used to analyse differences in thalamic nuclei volumes and their association with cognitive performance, with age, sex, total intracranial volume and years of education as covariates and false discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons. We did not find significant volumetric differences in the thalamus or its subregions, which survived false discovery rate correction, with respect to first-degree family history of dementia or apolipoprotein ε4 allele status. Greater age was associated with smaller volumes of thalamic subregions, except for the medial thalamus, but only in those without a dementia family history. A larger volume of the mediodorsal medial nucleus (Pfalse discovery rate = 0.019) was associated with a faster processing speed in those without a dementia family history. Larger volumes of the thalamus (P = 0.016) and posterior thalamus (Pfalse discovery rate = 0.022) were associated with significantly worse performance in the immediate recall test in apolipoprotein ε4 allele carriers. We did not find significant volumetric differences in thalamic subregions in relation to dementia risk but did identify an interaction between dementia family history and age. Larger medial thalamic nuclei may exert a protective effect on cognitive performance in individuals without a dementia family history but have little effect on those with a dementia family history. Larger volumes of posterior thalamic nuclei were associated with worse recall in apolipoprotein ε4 carriers. Our results could represent initial dysregulation in the disease process; further study is needed with functional imaging and longitudinal analysis.

Prevalence and Predictors of Violent Victimization Among Midlife Adult Women and Men in the United States

Prevalence and Predictors of Violent Victimization Among Midlife Adult Women and Men in the United States

Has human progress stagnated in recent decades? Evaluating Seligman’s (2021) model of agency and its correlates using the MIDUS three-wave longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Grounded in Seligman’s tripartite model of agency, the authors developed the 10-item Agency Scale. Using data from three waves (1994–1996, 2004–2006, 2013–2014) of the MIDUS national longitudinal study, results from midlife adults (N = 2,717) supported a three-factor structure, corresponding to self-efficacy, future-minded planning (as a measure of optimism), and imagination. Evidence for measurement invariance, construct validity, and reliability was provided. The three subscales of the Agency Scale uniquely and positively predicted effort, persistence, generativity (as an indicator of innovation), and perceived progress. Supporting Seligman’s hypothesis, sequential mediation analyses revealed that effort, persistence, and generativity significantly mediated the self-efficacy-perceived progress, future-minded planning-perceived progress, and imagination-perceived progress relations, respectively. Significant mean differences across three timepoints indicated an overall declining trend in scores of agency (including self-efficacy, future-minded planning, and imagination) and perceived progress. Collectively, these findings provide support for Seligman’s tripartite model of agency.

Association of optic disc pallor and RNFL thickness with cerebral small vessel disease in the PREVENT-Dementia study.

We tested associations between two retinal measures (optic disc pallor, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer [pRNFL] thickness) and four magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD; lacunes, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and enlarged perivascular spaces [ePVSs]). We used PallorMetrics to quantify optic disc pallor from fundus photographs, and pRNFL thickness from optical coherence tomography scans. Linear and logistic regression assessed relationships between retinal measures and SVD markers. Participants (N=108, mean age 51.6) were from the PREVENT Dementia study. Global optic disc pallor was linked to ePVSs in the basal ganglia in both left (β=0.12, standard error [SE]=0.05, P<0.05) and right eyes (β=0.13, SE=0.05, P<0.05). Associations were also noted in different disc sectors. No pRNFL associations with SVD markers were found. Optic disc pallor correlated with ePVSs in the basal ganglia, suggesting retinal examination may be a useful method to study brain health changes related to SVD. Optic disc pallor is linked to enlarged perivascular spaces in basal ganglia.There is no association between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and cerebral small vessel disease markers.Optic disc examination could provide insights into brain health.The sample included 108 midlife adults from the PREVENT Dementia study.

Comprehensive allostatic load risk index is associated with increased frontal and left parietal white matter hyperintensities in mid-life cognitively healthy adults

To date, there is a considerable heterogeneity of methods to score Allostatic Load (AL). Here we propose a comprehensive algorithm (ALCS) that integrates commonly used approaches to generate AL risk categories and assess associations to brain structure deterioration. In a cohort of cognitively normal mid-life adults (n = 620, age 51.3 ± 5.48 years), we developed a comprehensive composite for AL scoring incorporating gender and age differences, high quartile approach, clinical reference values, and current medications, to then generate AL risk categories. Compared to the empirical approach (ALES), ALCS showed better model fit criteria and a strong association with age and sex. ALSC categories were regressed against brain and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. Higher AL risk categories were associated with increased total, periventricular, frontal, and left parietal WMH volumes, also showing better fit compared to ALES. When cardiovascular biomarkers were removed from the ALSC algorithm, only left-frontal WMHV remained associated with AL, revealing a strong vascular burden influencing the index. Our results agree with previous evidence and suggest that sustained stress exposure enhances brain deterioration in mid-life adults. Showing better fit than ALES, our comprehensive algorithm can provide a more accurate AL estimation to explore how stress exposure enhances age-related health decline.

Ultra-processed food intake, gut microbiome, and glucose homeostasis in mid-life adults: Background, design, and methods of a controlled feeding trial

BackgroundAging is associated with gut dysbiosis, low-grade inflammation, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Prediabetes, which increases T2D and cardiovascular disease risk, is present in 45–50% of mid-life adults. The gut microbiota may link ultra-processed food (UPF) with inflammation and T2D risk. MethodsFollowing a 2-week standardized lead-in diet (59% UPF), adults aged 40–65 years will be randomly assigned to a 6-week diet emphasizing either UPF (81% total energy) or non-UPF (0% total energy). Measurements of insulin sensitivity, 24-h and postprandial glycemic control, gut microbiota composition/function, fecal short chain fatty acids, intestinal inflammation, inflammatory cytokines, and vascular function will be made before and following the 6-week intervention period. Prior to recruitment, menus were developed in order to match UPF and non-UPF conditions based upon relevant dietary factors. Menus were evaluated for palatability and costs, and the commercial additive content of study diets was quantified to explore potential links with outcomes. ResultsOverall diet palatability ratings were similar (UPF = 7.6 ± 1.0; Non-UPF = 6.8 ± 1.5; Like Moderately = 7, Like Very Much = 8). Cost analysis (food + labor) of the 2000 kcal menu (7-d average) revealed lower costs for UPF compared to non-UPF diets ($20.97/d and $40.23/d, respectively). Additive exposure assessment of the 2000 kcal UPF diet indicated that soy lecithin (16×/week), citric acid (13×/week), sorbic acid (13×/week), and sodium citrate (12×/week) were the most frequently consumed additives. ConclusionsWhether UPF consumption impairs glucose homeostasis in mid-life adults is unknown. Findings will address this research gap and contribute information on how UPF consumption may influence T2D development.

Supplemental Material for Loneliness Dynamics and Physical Health Symptomology Among Midlife Adults in Daily Life

Supplemental Material for Loneliness Dynamics and Physical Health Symptomology Among Midlife Adults in Daily Life

ACCELERATED AGING IN MID LIFE: BEHAVIORAL, EMOTIONAL, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MARKERS OF AGING

Abstract The aging process starts at midlife and is multifactorial, involving behavioral, emotional, and biological pathways. Most studies to date have focused on either older ages, when age-related diseases already are present, or a single mechanism, thus missing the full scope of the aging process. The proposed symposium aims to fill this gap by highlighting the many-sided nature of aging among midlife adults, especially the contributions of behavioral, emotional, and biological markers. We will discuss how physical capacity, sensory modulation, and exposure to violence are associated with biological age, reflecting the true state of the body and the diversity of aging. Understanding these relationships can both illuminate early markers of the aging process and support the design of tailored interventions to reduce the prevalence of accelerated aging. The symposium will present the latest research on the combined markers to gain insight into normal and accelerated aging. Professor Agmon will give an overview of newly developed behavioral markers that quantify the aging process, such as the photogrammetry-based analysis of posture and physical capacity battery. Roy Tzemah-Shahar will discuss the relationships between physical capacity metrics and rate of aging, Merav Asher will explicate the association between one’s sensory profile and the rate of aging, and Khalil Iktilat will share how exposure to violence explains the accelerated aging of midlife Muslims. Finally, we will discuss the need for more research on midlife adults and the potential benefits of early interventions.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN APOE Ε4 AND EPISODIC MEMORY IN MIDLIFE: TESTING THE COGNITIVE PHENOTYPE HYPOTHESIS

Abstract Carrying at least one ε4 allele of Apolipoprotein E (APOE ε4) is a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is contentious whether the effect of APOE ε4 on memory decline is because of cognitive phenotype or prodromal AD cases. Inconsistent findings on this topic could be due to the presence of AD pathology in older ages and the lack of sensitivity of memory measures. To exclude potential prodromal AD cases, we tested the association between APOE ε4 and episodic memory among cognitively unimpaired adults in midlife. Data from a subset of 103 participants (Mage=57±6 years; 87.4% females) from an ongoing clinical trial (NIH R01AG058919) were analyzed. APOE genotype was assessed from passive drool saliva samples, and participants completed memory assessments. Analyses of covariance compared 39 carriers of APOE ε4 versus 64 non-carriers of APOE ε4 for their performance of mnemonic discrimination, auditory-verbal and visuospatial short- and long-term memory, paired associative memory, and verbal logical memory, while controlling relevant covariates (e.g., age, education, sex, and physical activity level). After covariate adjustments, significant negative relationships between APOE ε4 and mnemonic discrimination were observed while nearly significant negative relationships were observed for auditory-verbal long-term memory. These findings imply that APOE ε4 could be associated with a cognitive phenotype of decline in mnemonic discrimination and auditory-verbal long-term memory, and the phenotype effects on memory decline could start in midlife. This suggests the importance of early lifestyle interventions for cognitive health in midlife, especially in people at genetic risk for AD.

PHYSICAL CAPACITY AS MARKER FOR RATE OF AGING IN MID LIFE

Abstract Biological age captures the heterogeneity of aging by providing an estimation for rate of aging. As an alternative to the widely investigated laboratory biomarkers of aging, behavioral functional markers of physical capacity may offer a feasible alternative for identifying individuals at risk for negative aging trajectory. We aimed to examine the associations of different functional tests both together and as a composite score of physical capacity with rate of aging. We conducted a cross-sectional study, with midlife adults (age ~45) reporting being able to perform leisure physical exercise. Biological age was estimated using the Klemera-Doubal method and a set of physiological biomarkers; rate of aging, ∆Age, was defined as the difference between age and estimated biological age. Physical capacity was measured using a testing battery of 15 functional tests linked with six physical capacity domains. 116 participants completed the testing battery. For women, better results in terms of strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance tests were negatively correlated with ∆Age (r=0.38-0.29, p&amp;lt;0.05); for men, beyond these tests, agility was also negatively correlated with ∆Age (r=0.27-0.59, p&amp;lt;0.05). A sex-standardized composite score of physical capacity was negatively associated with ∆Age after controlling for chronological age, smoking, and education (r=-0.437, p=0.007; r=-0.491, p&amp;lt;0.001 for women and men respectively). The suggested physical capacity battery offers a functional assessment for ∆Age. Higher physical capacity metrics correlate with smaller ∆Age, corresponding with younger biological age. Measuring physical capacity may help to assess aging trajectory and offer a suitable behavioral intervention goal.

AGE DIFFERENCES AMONG WITHIN-PERSON INDICATORS OF STRESS AND DEPRESSION

Abstract Although older adults tend to regulate their emotions and resist stress better than midlife or younger adults (Charles &amp; Carstensen, 2007), research suggests that when older adults do negatively react to stress they may have more difficulty recovering (Charles, 2010). Research reveals that various indicators of stress relate to greater depression – even suggesting that stress causes the depression (van Praag, 2004). Individual perceived stress (PS) as well as perceived stress reactivity (PSR) influence how stress impacts well-being (Folkman et al., 1986). Thus, we examined age differences in the within-person relationships among PS, PSR, and depression, and potential causal determinants of depression with a longitudinal mediation model. We used data from 572 participants in the Notre Dame Study of Health &amp; Well-being (M(age) = 59.77; sd(age) = 14.22) who completed two to four waves of yearly assessments. Sequentially built multilevel models, in which year was nested within person, illustrated that only midlife adults experience an exacerbated effect of within-person fluctuations in PSR on the relationship between within-person PS and depressive levels (gamma41 = -0.004, p &amp;lt; .01). The longitudinal mediation model revealed that PSR at Time 2 mediated the relationship between PS at Time 1 and Depression at Time 3. Findings suggest that older adults illustrate successful emotion regulation strategies at the yearly level --resisting the negative ramifications of years of greater PS and PSR, whereas midlife adults who experience years of greater PSR would particularly benefit from stress management interventions and monitoring of depressive levels.

INTRAINDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY ACROSS ADULTHOOD: DIVERSITY, VARIETY, AND ADHERENCE AS KEY INDICATORS OF DAILY LIFE

Abstract Alongside long-term change, lifespan theories highlight the importance of examining intraindividual variability (the fluctuations that occur in daily and momentary life) as an indicator of dynamic characteristics, like plasticity or rigidity. The present symposium demonstrates five unique characterizations and implications of variability in daily life across the adult lifespan. Paper 1 demonstrates that greater social activity variety is linked to lower mortality risk over 11 years, and this effect is stronger for older adults. Paper 2 finds that consistent adherence to health behaviors in daily life is linked to better cognitive function in midlife adults. Paper 3 finds that middle-aged adults experience greater diversity in types of positive events in daily life (positive event diversity) compared to older adults, and positive event diversity is associated with higher positive affect. Paper 4 establishes that positive affect with high mean levels and high variability (fragile high positive affect) is associated with greater odds of depression 10 years later. Lastly, Paper 5 demonstrates that although the spread of stressor types experienced in daily life (stressor diversity) declines with age across both cohorts, the types of stressors experienced in modern life differ from those experienced 18 years prior. Together, findings demonstrate how variability in daily life changes across age and has implications for health and well-being of older adults. Dr. Susan Charles will critically discuss these contributions to our understanding of aging in the context of Strength and Vulnerability Integration Theory and provide considerations for understanding the complexity of daily life across the lifespan.

INTRAINDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY IN SLEEP DURATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIPPOCAMPAL VOLUME IN MID LIFE

Abstract Sleep is associated with global cognition, consolidation of memories, and structural &amp; functional integrity of areas of the brain that support healthy cognition. While there has been research on sleep in older adults that indicates associations between poor sleep, cognitive decline, memory performance, and changes in the brain, there has been comparatively little work assessing the impact of sleep on the structure of the brain during middle adulthood. Changes in the brain begin much earlier than older adulthood, with midlife seeing cortical thinning and a decrease in brain volume in areas that support healthy cognitive functioning and memory, such as the hippocampus. Understanding how sleep may contribute to hippocampal volume in midlife may help inform how changing poor sleep is important for supporting successful aging. The current study examines the associations between 7 days of actigraphy measured sleep and hippocampal volume (MRI) in 82 midlife adults (Mage = 49.13 years, SD = 11.74; 28-76 years old) who completed the Biomarker and Neuroscience projects in the Midlife in the United States Refresher study. Results indicated that bi-lateral hippocampal volume was negatively associated with high (vs low) intraindividual total sleep time variability (&amp;gt;= 60 min; mean average deviation), with a 280 and 252 mm3 (p’s = .006 &amp; .035) volume reduction for left and right hemispheres respectively. This relationship was not seen for other measures of sleep quality and the analysis additionally controlled for age, sex, BMI, race, depression status, education, and subjective physical &amp; mental/emotional health.

ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder and subclasses of borderline personality disorder in a South Korean adult population with childhood abuse experiences: a latent class analysis

BackgroundComplex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), which are distinctive diagnoses, share the common risk factor of childhood abuse experiences. However, additional evidence is needed to determine which factors contribute to the manifestation of different symptoms.MethodParticipants were 499 South Korean early and midlife adults with primarily college level education who reported experiences of childhood abuse. They were enrolled from an online panel using a stratified sampling considering gender, age, and residence information. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify the patterns of CPTSD and BPD symptoms. We adopted a three-step LCA to compare types of childhood abuse, invalidating environments, attachment styles, and pathological personality traits among different classes.ResultsThe LCA revealed four classes. Class 1 showed the highest scores in all symptoms and risk factors. Class 2 was distinguished from Class 3 by the externalizing versus internalizing associated pathological personality traits. Class 3 experienced high emotional neglect in addition to other types of abuse and it also showed an additional avoidant attachment style. Class 4 showed low symptomatology.ConclusionClass 1 was named as a CPTSD and BPD “comorbid” class, Class 2 as an “externalizing BPD” class, Class 3 as an “avoidant BPD” class, and Class 4 as a “low symptom” class. Childhood abuse may heighten the risk for high comorbidity of CPTSD and BPD as well as externalizing-internalizing subgroups of BPD. Beyond the identification of CPTSD and BPD, assessing attachment styles and pathological personality traits based on dimensional approaches would benefit the tailoring of effective treatment.

Subjective Social Status as a Predictor of Physical and Mental Health among Early Midlife Adults in the United States: Appraising the Role of Gender

Literature indicates that subjective social status (SSS) is a robust predictor of health outcomes net of objective social status (OSS). However, research that has considered gender in the relationship between SSS and health is limited. Using 2016–2018 data from the Wave V biomarker sample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we investigate the relationship between SSS and two health outcomes—allostatic load and depressive symptoms—and the moderating role of gender in these relationships among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (ages 33–44 years) ( n = 5,269). We find that SSS is inversely associated with both allostatic load and depressive symptoms, net of OSS. Moreover, we find that gender significantly moderates the SSS-allostatic load relationship but not the SSS-depressive symptoms relationship. Specifically, SSS has a greater impact on allostatic load among women than men. Future research should explore the underlying psychosocial mechanisms that contribute to these gender differences.

Family strain, but not family support, is linked to worse pain interference among midlife adults reporting new chronic pain.

Although family relationship quality has been linked to later chronic pain incidence for aging adults, it is unclear whether the quality of these relationships is linked to the impact of pain. We estimated longitudinal associations between family relationship quality (i.e., family support and family strain) and pain interference for adults who develop novel chronic pain across 10 years of midlife. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Using path analysis, we tested whether family support and strain reported by participants (54% female, age M = 54.8 years) who denied having chronic pain at the study's second wave (MIDUS 2, 2004-2006) but reported chronic pain 10 years later (MIDUS 3, 2014-2016; N = 406) was associated with the interference of that pain with daily activities after accounting for key covariates, including sociodemographics, depression symptoms, global physical health, and MIDUS 3 reports of family support and strain. The hypothesized model demonstrated good fit to the data based on multiple model fit indices. Greater family strain at baseline, but not family support, was significantly associated with greater pain interference 10 years later. Findings build on prior studies to suggest that not only are stressful family relationships likely associated with the odds of developing chronic pain, but they are also linked to the interference of that chronic pain when it develops. We recommend biopsychosocial screening in primary care that captures family relationship quality and can inform best practices for nonpharmacological, family-based pain management. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Families With Early History of Parental Abuse and Neglect: Midlife Adult Children’s Relationships With Their Parents During COVID-19

For families with an early history of parental abuse and neglect (EHPAN), personal and situational stressors can increase relational vulnerabilities. We examined relationship dynamics between midlife adults with EHPAN and their parents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of semi-structured qualitative interviews with 31 participants (aged 44–50), examined patterns of contact and support to provide insights into relationship dynamics and relational changes experienced during the pandemic. Three relational themes characterized midlife adult child-parent relationships during COVID-19: tightening ties with parents while taking few COVID-19 precautions; keeping customary ties to maintain the status quo centered around instrumental support; loosening ties in which the relationship drifted. We found areas of resilience and vulnerabilities within each type of relationship. Recognizing that past adversity continues to shape relationship dynamics throughout the life course underscores the need for further research to identify factors that contribute to long-term family resilience and challenges.

Does living alone mean being alone? Personal networks of solo-living adults in midlife

People living alone are often depicted as prone to social isolation and poor well-being. Since previous research largely focused on comparisons between the living arrangements of older adults, evidence on differences within middle-aged adults living alone remains sparse. The present study used a person-centered approach to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of living alone in midlife. Middle-aged adults (N = 389; aged 35–60 years) reported on their personal networks, personality, and well-being and completed diaries on daily network interactions. Using latent class analysis, we constructed a network typology and examined differences in social motives, well-being, daily interaction quantity, and daily relationship quality. We found four structural network types: Individuals with diverse networks (highest in size, contact, proximity, and heterogeneity) felt less lonely than individuals with restricted (lowest in size, contact, proximity, and heterogeneity) or loose-knit networks (low in contact). Individuals with loose-knit networks reported poorer well-being than those in diverse or partner-focused networks (all partnered). We found little support for differences in social motives. All network types differed in daily interaction quantity but did not differ in daily relationship quality. The study highlights the heterogeneity of personal networks in middle-aged adults living alone. Possible implications for the social embeddedness and psychological adaptation of people living alone in midlife are discussed.

Autism through midlife: trajectories of symptoms, behavioral functioning, and health

BackgroundThis study describes change in autism symptoms, behavioral functioning, and health measured prospectively over 22 years. Most studies tracking developmental trajectories have focused on autism during childhood, although adulthood is the longest stage of the life course. A robust understanding of how autistic people change through midlife and into older age has yet to be obtained.MethodsUsing an accelerated longitudinal design with 9 waves of data, developmental trajectories were estimated from adolescence through midlife and into early old age in a community-based cohort (n = 406). The overall aim was to determine whether there were age-related increases or decreases, whether the change was linear or curvilinear, and whether these trajectories differed between those who have ID and those who have average or above-average intellectual functioning. Subsequently, the slopes of the trajectories were evaluated to determine if they differed depending on age when the study began, with the goal of identifying possible cohort effects.ResultsThere were significant trajectories of age-related change for all but one of the measures, although different measures manifested different patterns. Most autism symptoms improved through adulthood, while health worsened. An inverted U-shaped curve best described change for repetitive behavior symptoms, activities of daily living, maladaptive behaviors, and social interaction. For these measures, improved functioning was evident from adolescence until midlife. Then change leveled off, with worsening functioning from later midlife into early older age. Additionally, differences between autistic individuals with and without ID were evident. Although those who have ID had poorer levels of functioning, there were some indications that those without ID had accelerating challenges in their aging years that were not evident in those with ID – increases in medications for physical health problems and worsening repetitive behaviors.ConclusionsMeeting the needs of the increasingly large population of autistic adults in midlife and old age requires a nuanced understanding of life course trajectories across the long stretch of adulthood and across multiple domains. Given the heterogeneity of autism, it will be important not to generalize across sub-groups, for example those who are minimally verbal and those who have above-average intellectual functioning.

Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Chronological Age: Associations With Cognitive Performance in Daily Life.

DNA methylation-derived epigenetic clocks offer the opportunity to examine aspects of age acceleration (ie, the difference between an individual's biological age and chronological age), which vary among individuals and may better account for age-related changes in cognitive function than chronological age. Leveraging existing ambulatory cognitive assessments in daily life from a genetically diverse sample of 142 adults in midlife, we examined associations between 5 measures of epigenetic age acceleration and performance on tasks of processing speed and working memory. Covarying for chronological age, we used multilevel models to examine associations of epigenetic age acceleration (Horvath 1, Horvath 2, Hannum, PhenoAge, and GrimAge clocks) with both average level and variability of cognitive performance. Positive age acceleration (ie, epigenetic age greater than chronological age) was associated with poorer mean processing speed (Horvath 1 and 2) and working memory (GrimAge). Higher chronological age was also associated with poorer mean processing speed and working memory performance. Further, positive age acceleration was generally associated with greater intraindividual variability in working memory and processing speed tasks, whereas being chronologically older was associated with less intraindividual variability. Although further work is needed, our results indicate age acceleration effects have comparable or greater size as those for chronological age differences, suggesting that epigenetic age acceleration may account for additional risk and interindividual variation in cognitive performance above chronological age.