Positive childhood experiences and subjective cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults: assessment of moderation by gender and race/ethnicity
1
1 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
2
2 Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
3
3 Department of Health Services and Policy Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
4
4 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A12
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Research has shown that individuals exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) tend to report subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in later life, which may be a precursor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Studies have shown that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may be linked to optimal health outcomes in adulthood such as better mental health and resilience, and may buffer the impact of ACEs. However, studies assessing the relationship between PCEs and SCD are scarce. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the association between PCEs and SCD among middle-aged and older adults, and to assess moderation by sex and race/ethnicity.
METHODS:
Data were obtained from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey (N=39299, 12 states). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the overall sociodemographic characteristics of the study population and by SCD and PCEs status. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between PCEs (felt safe/protected, and basic needs met) and SCD (self-reported memory problems in the past year). Multiplicative interaction terms were used to assess interactions between PCEs and gender; and PCEs and race/ethnicity.
RESULTS:
Approximately 18% of respondents reported SCD and 95% of respondents reported at least one PCE. There were statistically significant differences in SCD and PCE status by age, gender, income, education, work status, alcohol use, smoking, heart disease, COPD, and depression. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and chronic conditions, PCEs were associated with 36% and 31% lower odds of SCD (felt safe/protected: aOR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.54 – 0.77; and basic needs met: aOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54 – 0.88). There was no statistically significant interaction by sex or race/ethnicity.
CONCLUSIONS:
PCEs were linked to lower odds of reporting SCD. Programs should promote PCEs, which may help to mitigate the impact of experiencing SCD in later life.
Research has shown that individuals exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) tend to report subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in later life, which may be a precursor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Studies have shown that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may be linked to optimal health outcomes in adulthood such as better mental health and resilience, and may buffer the impact of ACEs. However, studies assessing the relationship between PCEs and SCD are scarce. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the association between PCEs and SCD among middle-aged and older adults, and to assess moderation by sex and race/ethnicity.
METHODS:
Data were obtained from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey (N=39299, 12 states). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the overall sociodemographic characteristics of the study population and by SCD and PCEs status. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between PCEs (felt safe/protected, and basic needs met) and SCD (self-reported memory problems in the past year). Multiplicative interaction terms were used to assess interactions between PCEs and gender; and PCEs and race/ethnicity.
RESULTS:
Approximately 18% of respondents reported SCD and 95% of respondents reported at least one PCE. There were statistically significant differences in SCD and PCE status by age, gender, income, education, work status, alcohol use, smoking, heart disease, COPD, and depression. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and chronic conditions, PCEs were associated with 36% and 31% lower odds of SCD (felt safe/protected: aOR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.54 – 0.77; and basic needs met: aOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54 – 0.88). There was no statistically significant interaction by sex or race/ethnicity.
CONCLUSIONS:
PCEs were linked to lower odds of reporting SCD. Programs should promote PCEs, which may help to mitigate the impact of experiencing SCD in later life.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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