Effects of self-esteem on age-related changes in cognition and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the effects of self-esteem on global health and life expectancy in normal aging. Endocrinological studies in humans have demonstrated the effects of self-esteem on basal regulation and reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. To investigate the effects of differences in self-esteem on age-related changes in cognitive performance and HPA regulation, we investigated 20 healthy elderly subjects (age range 60-84, mean age 69.8 y). We assessed salivary cortisol levels together with neuropsychological assessment, and psychological assessment for self-esteem and locus of control. Across the study sample, age was significantly associated with reductions in cognitive performance and changes in basal cortisol regulation. Self-esteem appeared independent of age. Defining two groups of subjects with high and low self-esteem, age-related changes in cognitive and endocrinological variables became more prominent in the low self-esteem group, whereas age no longer had a significant impact on the variables in the high self-esteem group. These data suggest an effect of self-esteem on cognitive decline with aging. It further suggests an effect on age-related endocrine changes in humans. These results are discussed with regard to potential mechanisms by which the reported association between self-esteem and aging could be mediated.
Pruessner
Jens C
JC
Douglas Hospital Research Center, FBC 1137, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada. jens@bic.mni.mcgill.ca
Lord
Catherine
C
Meaney
Michael
M
Lupien
Sonia
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology*; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality / Q000502:physiology; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology*; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology
D006854:Hydrocortisone