Physical and cognitive function in older men: Is longitudinal study participation related to better functioning?

• Authors: Madeleine E. Hackney, Emory University; Andrea Backscheider Burridge, University of Houston; Karri S. Hawley, Atlanta VA Medical Center; Avron Spiro, Boston University; Katharina V. Echt, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
• Volume: Volume 60, Number 2
• Publisher: Wiley: 12 months | 2012-02, Pages 396-398
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03793.x
• Subjects: Gerontology

Abstract

Longitudinal studies, the gold standard for measuring intra-individual trajectories of change over time, provide crucial information about human aging through the repeated observation of developmental trends. Knowing the extent to which cross-sectional data from a longitudinal sample relates to data from a one-time measurement sample is essential to data interpretation and application in clinical trials, treatment decisions, and health policy for older adults. However, when participants are rigorously screened at enrollment and attrition is high, longitudinal participants may become increasingly select over time, limiting the generalizability of findings. Individuals enrolled with exceptional health or who received repeated health evaluations while continuing in a study may have better physical and cognitive function than individuals who lack these characteristics and experiences.