28th International Congress of Psychology August 8 ... - U-netSURF

impairment, and that not only the type cognitive task, but also the demands of that task, should be
considered carefully when assessing physiological correlates of cognitive performance in old age.
2012.3 Does chronic smoking predict cognitive performance in older Dutch adults? Findings
from the maastricht aging study, R.D. Hill 1 , M.P.J. van Boxtel 2 , J. F. M. Metsemakers 2 , H.
Bosma 2 , J. Jolles 2 , 1 Unversity of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; 2 Maastricht University,
Maastricht, The Netherlands
Chronic cigarette smoking is a pervasive high-risk behavior that has been linked to the early
emergence of chronic disease in late life. This presentation will examine the impact of cigarette
smoking on cognitive function in old age. Empirical data will elucidate a conceptual model for
characterizing the complex influence of cigarette smoking on cognitive function including the role
of smoking on cognitive activation by way of nicotine deliver, in contrast to the negative influence
of cigarette smoking through neurological degredation by way of pulmonary and cardiovascular
disease. Both processes impact memory functioning in old and very old age.
2012.4 Is reduced sensory function a causative factor in cognitive aging? Results from
longitudinal and intervention studies, M.P.J. Van Boxtel 1 , S. Valentijn 1 , S. van Hooren 1 , J. Jolles 1 ,
R.D. Hill 2 , 1 Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; 2 Unversity of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA
In cross-sectional research sensory function and cognitive performance are interrelated in old age.
In the Maastricht Aging study longitudinal hypotheses were tested that self-initiated interventions
in the sensory domain (vision/hearing) are benificial for cognitive function after a follow up
interval of six years. Furthermore, the results of two controlled studies in older individuals will be
presented that specifically evaluate the effect of sensory remediative strategies on cognition and
functional status. Preliminary results do not support the 'sensory deprivation' hypothesis of
cognitive aging. The effect of improvements in sensory function may be more substantive on more
general aspects of functional status.
2012.5 The association between pulmonary function and cognitive test performance at three
stages of adulthood, K. Anstey, T. Windsor, A. Jorm, H. Christensen, B. Rodgers, Australian
National University, Canberra, Australia
The relationship between Forced Expiratory Volume at one second (FEV1), a measure of
pulmonary function, and cognitive test performance was examined in three cohorts aged 20 to 24,
40 to 44 and 60 to 64. Significant associations were found between FEV1 and measures of
processing speed, RT, memory and vocabulary in unadjusted analyses in all age-cohorts. After
controlling for demographic variables, smoking, physical activity, and respiratory disease, the
association remained. Current smoking status and physical activity also had independent
associations with cognitive performance. Associations between FEV1 and measures of speed
increased with age. Results are discussed within a Primary/Secondary Aging Framework.
2013 INVITED SYMPOSIUM
Recent developments in the prevention of child, parenting and family problems
Convener and Chair: M. Sanders, Australia
291