Aging & Mental Health

Hassan, Esra; Hicks, Ben; Tabet, Naji; Farina, Nicolas

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2647174pmid: 41910219

Abstract Objectives Raising awareness of dementia in the general public is a key dementia policy. Adolescents are one population whose levels of dementia knowledge we have little understanding about. In this cross-sectional survey study, we aimed to capture the level of dementia knowledge in adolescents from different socio-demographic groups and to explore the factors associated with adolescents’ dementia knowledge. Method We recruited 1,371 adolescents aged 11-18 years across England. Adoeslescents were asked to complete a survey that included dementia knowledge items from the The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey. Descriptive statistics, a logistic regression, and cross-tabulations were used to explore adolescents’ level of dementia knowledge in various demographic groups (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sex, age). Results Adolescents were able to answer just under half the knowledge items correctly (mean = 48%). Only 30% (n = 411) of participants correctly identified that dementia is not a mental illness and just over half of the adolescents (53%, n = 725) thought that dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While we observed some demographic differences, the level of knowledge across various groups did not significantly differ (p-values > .05). Conclusions Overall, the presence of widespread misconceptions among adolescents, combined with the lack of demographic variation, indicates that universal dementia education and awareness campaigns may be required to effectively address these misunderstandings.

Visaria, Abhijit; Vashishtha, Rakhi; Cheng, Qiqi; Chan, Angelique; Malhotra, Rahul

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2639631pmid: 41804845

Abstract Objectives Population ageing presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, as older adults typically have higher rates of healthcare utilization. This study investigates the association of depressive symptoms with healthcare utilization among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore, focusing on emergency department (ED) visits, frequent ED use, and inpatient hospitalizations. Method We analyze data from a nationally representative longitudinal cohort with participants’ survey data linked to electronic medical records to measure healthcare utilization outcomes. The analysis sample included 4049 participants (mean age 72.3 years, 52.0% female). We utilize two-part models for ED visits and hospitalizations and logistic regression for frequent ED use. Results Our findings indicate that higher depressive symptoms were significantly associated with increased odds of ED visits and hospitalizations within the subsequent 12 months. Each unit increase in the depressive symptoms score was linked with 5% higher odds of at least one ED visit and 6% higher odds of hospitalization. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a 13% increase in the odds of frequent ED use defined as ≥4 visits, or a 10% increase when frequent ED use was defined as ≥3 visits. Conclusion This study adds to the existing literature by providing robust evidence on the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and healthcare utilization. These findings highlight the need for proactive identification and management of depressive symptoms in older adults to potentially reduce future healthcare burden.

Meesters, Paul D.; Boonstra, Nynke

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2646647pmid: 42117143

Abstract Objectives Research on older individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) residing in long-stay mental health wards remains scarce. Understanding their lived experiences helps to inform care practices. This qualitative study explored, for the first time, how long-term residents with SMI experience living and aging in a gerontopsychiatric facility. Method Twelve adults with SMI (aged 60–77) residing in a Dutch gerontopsychiatric facility participated. Participants had been hospitalized for over 21 consecutive years on average. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three overarching themes were identified: (1) sources of well-being, including meaningful relationships with staff and fellow residents and engagement in daily activities; (2) living with constraints and dependency, reflecting institutional care practices, limited autonomy, and mental and physical health challenges; (3) finding room to move, describing opportunities to influence one’s situation. Relationships with staff were experienced as both supportive and restrictive. While health problems contributed to diminished well-being, some participants described ways of coping with losses and achieving fulfilment in everyday life. Conclusion Findings reveal an ambivalent picture of aging in a long-term institutional setting, characterized by both support and constraint. Recovery-oriented approaches may inspire efforts to enhance residents’ autonomy and opportunities for agency.

Wang, Xue; Huang, Yuli; Si, Huaxin; Li, Yanyan; Yu, Jiaqi; Zhou, Wendie; Chen, Hejing; Wang, Cuili

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2642780pmid: 41846536

Abstract Objectives Given the growing population health impact of depressive symptoms (DS), mapping DS state transitions and their associated factors, particularly personal traits, may offer critical insights for designing targeted prevention measures. Method We employed three waves (2018, 2020, and 2022) of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data to operationalize DS into three categorical states (non-DS, mild-DS, severe-DS) and implemented multi-state Markov modeling to quantify transition probabilities and assess personality traits associations. Results A total of 6410 participants aged 45 years or older were included in this cohort analysis. DS state transitions were observed between adjacent and non-adjacent states, with higher transition intensities occurring between adjacent states. Extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were associated with a lower likelihood of DS progression and showed positive correlations with symptom remission. Neuroticism was linked to an increased probability of DS progression and appeared to be associated with an increased likelihood of DS reversal. Conclusion Personality traits show persistent but differential associations with DS dynamic transitions, highlighting the relevance of personality trait assessments, which may support the development of tailored strategies to maintain mental health among middle-aged and older adults.

Michelet, Mona; Eriksen, Siren; Krohne, Kariann; Bredholt, Thea C.; Engedal, Knut; Askestad, Hege; Solberg, Trude; Rokstad, Anne Marie Mork

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2647188pmid: 41894145

Abstract Objectives This study explores how healthcare professionals in Norwegian municipal memory teams experience working as case managers for people with dementia and their informal caregivers, and the approaches they employ to fulfil this role. Method A qualitative descriptive design was employed, using focus groups with 18 case managers from a range of municipalities. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Three overarching themes emerged: (1) tailoring support, (2) being committed and available, and (3) contributing to cooperation and competence development. Participants described how they adapted services to individual needs throughout the dementia trajectory, drawing on both professional expertise and personal resources. While the role was experienced as meaningful, it was also described as demanding, involving high levels of personal involvement and vulnerability due to limited resources. Case managers also played a key role in competence development and multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion The case manager role facilitates flexible, person-centred support, and continuity of care. However, its effectiveness is highly dependent on individual commitment and is vulnerable to resource constraints. Strengthening structural and professional conditions is essential to ensure the delivery of high-quality dementia care.

Brown, Monique J.; Osinubi, Medinat Omobola; Johnson, Kimson E.; Cohen, Steven A.; Crouch, Elizabeth; Hill, Nikki

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2648691pmid: N/A

Abstract Objectives Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to depression and lower life satisfaction. Few studies have examined depression as a mediator between ACEs and life satisfaction or potential disparities. The aims of this study were to examine the mediating role of late-life depression between ACEs and life satisfaction and examine disparities by race, ethnicity, gender and cognitive status. Method Data were obtained from the 2012–2020 Health and Retirement Study (N = 3,924). Interaction terms were used to test for moderation by gender (Male, Female), race (Black, White, Other), ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic), and cognitive status (normal; cognitively impaired, no dementia (CIND); living with dementia). Mediation analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect effects among ACEs, depression, and life satisfaction overall and by demographic/cognitive subgroups. Results Depression mediated the association between ACEs and life satisfaction in the overall study population (B=-0.047, p < 0.001). Interactions terms were not statistically significant. However, stratified models showed an indirect effect of ACEs on life satisfaction through depression for men, women, Black, White, Hispanic, non-Hispanic populations, and individuals with normal cognition, CIND, and dementia. Conclusion Alleviating depression may improve life satisfaction across gender, race/ethnicity, and cognitive status. Addressing ACEs may also improve depression and life satisfaction.

Ding, Ruoxi; Dai, Wanwei; Wang, Xuechun; Huang, Yujie; Luo, Yanan

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2642779pmid: N/A

Abstract Objectives This study examines the association between PR and the progression of cognitive frailty among older adults in China. Method Data were obtained from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted from 2002 to 2018. Cognitive frailty is defined as the presence of both physical frailty and cognitive impairment in older adults without a dementia diagnosis. Fixed-effect models analyzed the relationship between PR and cognitive frailty over time. Latent Class Growth Models were used to study the trajectories of PR and cognitive frailty, and multinomial logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were applied to examine the links between PR trajectories and cognitive frailty progression. Results An increase of 1 point in the PR score is associated with an 9% reduction in the risk of cognitive frailty (RRR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.93). Compared to participants in the high-level stable PR group, those in the moderate-level declining and low-level rising PR groups faced a greater risk of experiencing a subsequent trajectory of low probability mild cognitive impairment (MCI) along with accelerated frailty, or a higher likelihood of both conditions. Conclusion These findings emphasize the role of promoting psychological resilience in achieving the broader goals of healthy aging.

Costello, Niall; Symonds, Jennifer E.; Rooney, Brendan; Santos, Flavia H.

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2647187pmid: 41909978

Abstract Objectives To test the processing speed theory of cognitive ageing by modelling latent changes in processing speed in older adults and examining whether change predicts later global cognitive status and cognitive impairment risk. Method Data were drawn from 2161 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years (mean age = 72.57, SD = 4.68; 51% female) in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Latent change score modelling was applied to Waves one and three. A multi-indicator latent processing speed factor was defined using Colour Trails Test 1 and 2 and Sustained Attention Reaction Time, with measurement invariance constraints across waves. Latent change in processing speed was used to predict Wave three Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), adjusting for baseline MMSE and covariates (age, sex, education, socio-economic status). Results Evidence supports a stable latent processing speed factor across waves. There were significant interindividual differences in processing speed change, with poorer baseline performance associated with greater subsequent decline (β = 0.338, p < .001). Greater decline in processing speed predicted lower MMSE at Wave three (β = −0.211, p < .001). Conclusion Decline in processing speed throughout time is associated with later global cognitive status beyond baseline levels, supporting processing speed change as a clinically relevant marker of cognitive ageing.

Gad, Dustin S.; Wells, Jenna L.; Monin, Joan K.

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2649543pmid: N/A

Abstract Objectives Positive emotions have been shown to protect dementia caregivers’ psychological functioning, whereas negative emotions are linked to distress. Less is known about the specific positive and negative emotions that are related to caregivers’ mental health. We examined associations between discrete emotions and adult children’s depressive symptoms and caregiver burden. Method This is a secondary analysis of a larger study in which adult children of parents with cognitive change (N = 145) completed baseline (T1) and one-year follow up (T2) questionnaires asking about their emotions, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden. First, we examined bivariate correlations between all emotions and psychological functioning outcomes. Then, we conducted multiple regressions that included all emotions that exhibited significant correlations with the respective outcome. Results Cross-sectionally, greater distress, upset, shame, and fear were associated with greater depressive symptoms at T1; greater guilt was associated with greater caregiver burden at T1. Longitudinally, greater guilt at T1 was associated with increased depressive symptoms from T1 to T2; greater determination at T1 was associated with decreased burden from T1 to T2. Conclusion Our study compared discrete positive and negative emotions to identify those that are robustly linked with psychological functioning. These emotions may serve as intervention targets to improve mental health and reduce stress.

Lu, Nan; Yan, Yuqi; Lou, Vivian W. Q.

doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2639632pmid: 41841361

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to establish a typology of family caregivers of older adults with disabilities by simultaneously assessing positive and negative caregiving experiences in a Chinese context, and to investigate how resilience distinguishes these types. Method Data were collected in Changchun city, China from August to September 2024 using a stratified sampling method. A total of 431 family caregivers of older adults with disabilities participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 87.60%. Latent profile analysis was conducted for classification. Subsequently, a multinomial regression analysis using a three-step covariate inclusion approach was conducted to examine the impact of resilience on the classification, after controlling for covariates. Results A three-class solution was identified in the latent profile analysis: ‘Satisfied’ (69.84%), ‘Balanced’ (18.79%), and ‘Dissatisfied’ (11.37%) caregivers. Resilience was found to be a significant determinant of class membership. Higher resilience was associated with significantly lower odds of being in the Balanced or Dissatisfied groups compared to the Satisfied group. Furthermore, spouse and younger caregivers were less likely to be in the Dissatisfied group, while more depressive symptoms and coresidence significantly reduced the odds of belonging to the Satisfied group. Conclusion This study delineates distinct typologies of caregiving experiences among Chinese family caregivers of older adults with disabilities, revealing resilience as a pivotal factor that protects caregivers from less adaptive typology characterized by high caregiving burden and low positive aspects. The findings underscore the necessity of implementing person-centered, strength-based interventions to support this population.