Cognitive Impairment in Grandparents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the relationship between grandparenting and the cognitive impairment in older persons.Methods The protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42018105849. Authors conducted a systematic review, following “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) recommendations. Electronic databases were accessed through august 2018: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Selection of records and quality appraisal were made by two reviewers, independently.Results A total of 178 records was found, after removing duplicates. From those, 17 were considered eligible for integral text reading and eight were included: five original studies, one classic review and two editorials. From the five original studies included, four suggested a positive effect on cognition resulting from grandparenting and one suggested that there was no evidence for a causal effect. Though the boundary was not consensual, some studies suggested that a higher frequency of grandparenting has a negative impact on cognition.Conclusion Overall, studies suggested a trend towards a positive effect of grandchild care on grandparents’ cognition. However, there was a significant heterogeneity between methodologies and a significant risk of bias which can hamper conclusions, indicating the need for further and more robust research.

Sex-Moderated Socio-Labor Aspects as Mediators of a Cognitive Stimulation Program in Older Adults: Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Women, who are apparently better suited to multiple roles than men, may not adequately buffer lost roles after retirement (Gyasi et al, 2019; Rafael et al, 2021; Tan et al, 2019) and focus on those in which they feel more responsibility (such as grandmothers and caregivers), which could cause opposite effects on cognitive health (Burn & Szoeke, 2015; Jutras & Veilleux, 1991) (Table 3, rows 13–15). Participating in more activities and interests is related to a better adaptation to the aging process due to the increase in cognitive reserve that each new activity and role produces (Clare et al, 2017; Gulley et al, 2011; Kielhofner, 2007; Kim et al, 2021; Mao et al, 2020; Oakley et al, 1986; Zhu et al, 2017).…”