@article {6780, title = {Race Differences in Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences}, volume = {56B}, year = {2001}, pages = {S266-74}, publisher = {56B}, abstract = {Objectives. Explaining race differences in cognitive functioning in later life continues to challenge researchers. This study was an attempt to incorporate the clinical literature, emphasizing biological correlates of cognitive functioning, and the social research literature, emphasizing social inequalities and consequent health outcomes, in the examination of sources of race differences in cognitive functioning in older adults. Methods. With data from Wave 1 of the Assets and Health Dynamics of the Oldest Old survey, the authors used structural equation models (LISREL 8.30) to estimate the direct effects of race on cognitive functioning and indirect effects through social and biological risk factors for the total sample (N = 5,955). Results. Race had a direct association with cognitive functioning. Race also had indirect effects on cognitive functioning through social risk factors-education and health insurance. There did not appear to be indirect effects of race through biological risk factors. Discussion. The direct and indirect effects of race through social risk factors attest to the importance of examining different ways through which race can influence cognitive functioning of older adults. This research also emphasizes the need for researchers to investigate more closely race differences in dimensions of cognitive functioning and cognitive functioning over time.}, keywords = {Demographics, Health Conditions and Status}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/56.5.S266}, author = {Zsembik, Barbara A. and M. Kristen Peek} } @article {6702, title = {Race and ethnic variation in the disablement process.}, journal = {J Aging Health}, volume = {12}, year = {2000}, month = {2000 May}, pages = {229-49}, publisher = {12}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: This analysis examines ethnoracial group differences in the transition from health to disability.

METHODS: Using data from the AHEAD study, the authors examine the relative influence of each stage in the disablement process in the evolution of ethnoracial group differences in basic and instrumental disability.

RESULTS: Predisposing factors account for disability differences between Whites and other Latinos, whereas excess disability among African Americans stems from their higher level of cognitive limitation. The excess disability of Mexican Americans arises from their higher level of physical limitations. The data also reveal a larger impact of medical conditions and physical limitations on acquisition of disability among African Americans and Mexican Americans. This article demonstrates the importance of cognitive status in the disablement process, especially in ethnoracial group differences.

DISCUSSION: The authors discuss the practical implications for health care delivery to non-White elders and the theoretical implications for understanding the complexities of disablement.

}, keywords = {Activities of Daily Living, Black or African American, Cognition Disorders, Disabled Persons, Hispanic or Latino, Humans, Socioeconomic factors, White People}, issn = {0898-2643}, doi = {10.1177/089826430001200205}, author = {Zsembik, Barbara A. and M. Kristen Peek and Chuck W Peek} }