Date of Award:
5-2006
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Human Development and Family Studies
Department name when degree awarded
Family, Consumer, and Human Development
Committee Chair(s)
Maria C. Norton
Committee
Maria C. Norton
Abstract
This thesis examined the lifetime exposure of women's employment on cognitive functioning and cognitive decline in late life.
From the Cache County Study on Memory, Health, & Aging data, a sample of 2,588 women, aged 65 and older gave retrospective occupational history and were screened using the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam at study entry and approximately 3 years later. Non-demented women were used.
Ordinary least squares regression was used cross-sectionally and longitudinally to test the association between cognitive complexity level of the longest job and baseline cognitive status, and rate of cognitive decline over approximately 3 years.
Cross-sectional analysis revealed never-employed homemakers to have cognitive status mid-range. Higher "data" complexity levels were significantly associated with higher cognitive status at baseline net of education.
The results suggest some benefit of cognitively stimulating occupation to late-life functioning for women. Further analyses with additional longitudinal cognitive testing in this population may enhance these findings.
Checksum
ce52670a8606c1cfe09d1e6d2ee66699
Recommended Citation
Lundahl, Janet M., "The Relative Effects of Education and Cognitive Complexity of Employment Experience on the Rate of Cognitive Decline in Elderly Women" (2006). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 2528.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2528
Included in
Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .