Brian Downer
Biographic Data
| ID | 4198050 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Brian Downer |
| GIVEN NAMES | Brian |
| FAMILY NAME | Downer |
| SIGNATURE | DOWNER B |
| AFFILIATIONS | The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-5792-0527 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 24 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 21 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2014 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Hospitalization and Mortality Among Mexican Adults With Arthritis
ObjectivesFew studies have investigated health outcomes associated with arthritis in low-middle-income countries. Our objective was to examine the association between arthritis and all-cause hospitalization and mortality among middle-aged and older adults in Mexico.MethodsOur sample included 12,106 participants aged >50 years from the 2012, 2015, and 2018 waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. Logistic regression was used for the associatio…
The dual impact of education and occupation on cognitive functioning in older Mexican adults
This research investigated the relationship between cognitive performance and an individual's educational attainment as well as occupational mental demands among Mexican adults aged 50 or older. We hypothesized that cognitively demanding work boosts cognitive performance for older adults regardless of their education level. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed data on 12,939 individuals in the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study using a Generalize…
The Association of Vision and Hearing Impairment on Cognitive Function and Loneliness
Objectives: We investigated whether self-reported vision and hearing were associated with cognitive function and loneliness among Mexican adults aged 50 and older. Methods: Mexican Health and Aging Study data. Vision/hearing status was self-reported (excellent-very good, good, fair-poor). Cognition was measured using nine tasks. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Analyses controlled for demographic and health characteristics…
The Influence of Education and Occupation Type on Birth Cohort Differences in Cognitive Function of Mexican Older Adults
Cognitive functioning is higher among more recent birth cohorts of older adults in Mexico. These cohort differences are partially mediated by education but not main lifetime occupation. Additional factors may contribute to cohort differences in cognitive function for older adults in Mexico
Social and Leisure Activities Predict Transitions in Cognitive Functioning in Older Mexican Adults
Mapping the effects of popular social and leisure activities onto common patterns in cognitive functioning may inform the development of more enjoyable and effective health-protective behavioral interventions
Does a Reduction in Receiving Assistance With Daily Activities Among Older Adults in Mexico Indicate An Increase in Unmet Needs or a Decrease in Needs for Care
The declining percentage of older adults in Mexico with ADL disability receiving assistance may not reflect increasing unmet needs. However, the increased prevalence of ADL disability will increase the number of older adults needing informal care
Rural/urban dwelling across the life-course and late-life cognitive ability in Mexico
Early- and late-life urban dwelling may result in cognitive advantages for older Mexican adults. Clinicians should consider where individuals resided throughout life to better understand a patient's likelihood of experiencing poor cognitive outcomes
Social Engagement and Cognitive Function of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Our results suggest asymmetric patterns of actor-partner interdependence in Mexico, which may be reflective of the more traditional social role of women, and codependence within the couple. On the other hand, our results for the United States, where each spouse had significant actor effects but no partner effects, may suggest more independence within the couple
The Effect of Diabetes on the Cognitive Trajectory of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Despite the overall lower cognition in Mexico and different socioeconomic characteristics, the impact of diabetes on cognitive decline and the main risk and protective factors for poor cognition are similar in both countries
Racial/Ethnic and Nativity Differences in Cognitive Life Expectancies Among Older Adults in the United States
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To document racial/ethnic and nativity differences by gender in cognitive life expectancies among older adults in the United States. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Sullivan-based life tables were used to estimate cognitively normal, cognitively impaired/no dementia (CIND), and dementia life expectancies by gender for White, Black, U.S.-born Hispanic, and foreign-born Hispanic adults 50 years and older in the Health and Re…
Functional Status Is Associated With 30-Day Potentially Preventable Readmissions Following Home Health Care
BACKGROUND: Beginning in 2019, home health agencies' rates of potentially preventable hospital readmissions over the 30 days following discharge will be publicly reported. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine the association between patients' functional status at discharge from home health care and 30-day potentially preventable readmissions. A secondary objective was to identify the most common conditions resulting in potentially p…
The role of education in the association between race/ethnicity/nativity, cognitive impairment, and dementia among older adults in the United States
BACKGROUND: Older Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to be cognitively impaired than older White adults. Disadvantages in educational achievement for minority and immigrant populations may contribute to disparities in cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: Examine the role of education in racial/ethnic and nativity differences in cognitive impairment/no dementia (CIND) and dementia among older US adults. METHODS: Data comes from the 2012 Health …
Influence of Type II Diabetes and High Depressive Symptoms on the Likelihood for Developing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Disability and Mortality in Older Puerto Ricans
Diabetes and high depressive symptoms are risk factors of developing ADL disability and mortality for older Puerto Ricans
Cognition and Context
Respondents residing in more rural areas were disadvantaged in terms of cognitive functioning compared with those residing in more urban areas. Poorer cognitive functioning in late life may be the result of historical educational disadvantage in rural areas or selection through migration from rural to urban regions for employment
Trends in JAH Submissions and Publications
Arthritis and Risk of Cognitive and Functional Impairment in Older Mexican Adults
Arthritis is associated with increased risk of functional impairment, but not with dementia after 11 years in older Mexicans
Self-Reported Health and Functional Characteristics of Mexican and Mexican American Adults Aged 80 and Over
The observed differences may reflect worse health for Mexican Americans, health care access, reporting bias, and more selective survival to very old age in Mexico
The effect of adult children living in the United States on the likelihood of cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico
In summary, having one or more adult children living in the United States was associated with characteristics that may increase and decrease the risk for cognitive impairment. This may contribute to the non-significant relationship between migration status of adult children and likelihood for cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico
A Summary Score for the Framingham Heart Study Neuropsychological Battery
Objective: To calculate three summary scores of the Framingham Heart Study neuropsychological battery and determine which score best differentiates between subjects classified as having normal cognition, test-based impaired learning and memory, test-based multidomain impairment, and dementia. Method: The final sample included 2,503 participants. Three summary scores were assessed: (a) composite score that provided equal weight to each subtest, (b…
Longitudinal Trajectories of Cholesterol from Midlife through Late Life according to Apolipoprotein E Allele Status
The findings from this research provide evidence that variations in APOE modify trajectories of serum cholesterol from midlife to late life. In order to efficiently modify cholesterol through the life span, it is important to take into account APOE allele status
Memory Banking
MB outcomes indicate that the intervention is promising and supports continued investigation and development in the area of life story development for aging preparation and improving late life mental health distress in a community setting. Future research is needed to examine the versatility and long-term effects of the MB intervention
Cognition and Context
Respondents residing in more rural areas were disadvantaged in terms of cognitive functioning compared with those residing in more urban areas. Poorer cognitive functioning in late life may be the result of historical educational disadvantage in rural areas or selection through migration from rural to urban regions for employment
Social Engagement and Cognitive Function of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Our results suggest asymmetric patterns of actor-partner interdependence in Mexico, which may be reflective of the more traditional social role of women, and codependence within the couple. On the other hand, our results for the United States, where each spouse had significant actor effects but no partner effects, may suggest more independence within the couple
The role of education in the association between race/ethnicity/nativity, cognitive impairment, and dementia among older adults in the United States
BACKGROUND: Older Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to be cognitively impaired than older White adults. Disadvantages in educational achievement for minority and immigrant populations may contribute to disparities in cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: Examine the role of education in racial/ethnic and nativity differences in cognitive impairment/no dementia (CIND) and dementia among older US adults. METHODS: Data comes from the 2012 Health …
The Effect of Diabetes on the Cognitive Trajectory of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Despite the overall lower cognition in Mexico and different socioeconomic characteristics, the impact of diabetes on cognitive decline and the main risk and protective factors for poor cognition are similar in both countries
Influence of Type II Diabetes and High Depressive Symptoms on the Likelihood for Developing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Disability and Mortality in Older Puerto Ricans
Diabetes and high depressive symptoms are risk factors of developing ADL disability and mortality for older Puerto Ricans
The Association of Vision and Hearing Impairment on Cognitive Function and Loneliness
Objectives: We investigated whether self-reported vision and hearing were associated with cognitive function and loneliness among Mexican adults aged 50 and older. Methods: Mexican Health and Aging Study data. Vision/hearing status was self-reported (excellent-very good, good, fair-poor). Cognition was measured using nine tasks. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Analyses controlled for demographic and health characteristics…
The Influence of Education and Occupation Type on Birth Cohort Differences in Cognitive Function of Mexican Older Adults
Cognitive functioning is higher among more recent birth cohorts of older adults in Mexico. These cohort differences are partially mediated by education but not main lifetime occupation. Additional factors may contribute to cohort differences in cognitive function for older adults in Mexico
Self-Reported Health and Functional Characteristics of Mexican and Mexican American Adults Aged 80 and Over
The observed differences may reflect worse health for Mexican Americans, health care access, reporting bias, and more selective survival to very old age in Mexico
Memory Banking
MB outcomes indicate that the intervention is promising and supports continued investigation and development in the area of life story development for aging preparation and improving late life mental health distress in a community setting. Future research is needed to examine the versatility and long-term effects of the MB intervention
Longitudinal Trajectories of Cholesterol from Midlife through Late Life according to Apolipoprotein E Allele Status
The findings from this research provide evidence that variations in APOE modify trajectories of serum cholesterol from midlife to late life. In order to efficiently modify cholesterol through the life span, it is important to take into account APOE allele status
Memory Banking
MB outcomes indicate that the intervention is promising and supports continued investigation and development in the area of life story development for aging preparation and improving late life mental health distress in a community setting. Future research is needed to examine the versatility and long-term effects of the MB intervention
A Summary Score for the Framingham Heart Study Neuropsychological Battery
Objective: To calculate three summary scores of the Framingham Heart Study neuropsychological battery and determine which score best differentiates between subjects classified as having normal cognition, test-based impaired learning and memory, test-based multidomain impairment, and dementia. Method: The final sample included 2,503 participants. Three summary scores were assessed: (a) composite score that provided equal weight to each subtest, (b…
Trends in JAH Submissions and Publications
Arthritis and Risk of Cognitive and Functional Impairment in Older Mexican Adults
Arthritis is associated with increased risk of functional impairment, but not with dementia after 11 years in older Mexicans
Self-Reported Health and Functional Characteristics of Mexican and Mexican American Adults Aged 80 and Over
The observed differences may reflect worse health for Mexican Americans, health care access, reporting bias, and more selective survival to very old age in Mexico
The effect of adult children living in the United States on the likelihood of cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico
In summary, having one or more adult children living in the United States was associated with characteristics that may increase and decrease the risk for cognitive impairment. This may contribute to the non-significant relationship between migration status of adult children and likelihood for cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico
Influence of Type II Diabetes and High Depressive Symptoms on the Likelihood for Developing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Disability and Mortality in Older Puerto Ricans
Diabetes and high depressive symptoms are risk factors of developing ADL disability and mortality for older Puerto Ricans
Cognition and Context
Respondents residing in more rural areas were disadvantaged in terms of cognitive functioning compared with those residing in more urban areas. Poorer cognitive functioning in late life may be the result of historical educational disadvantage in rural areas or selection through migration from rural to urban regions for employment
The role of education in the association between race/ethnicity/nativity, cognitive impairment, and dementia among older adults in the United States
BACKGROUND: Older Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to be cognitively impaired than older White adults. Disadvantages in educational achievement for minority and immigrant populations may contribute to disparities in cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: Examine the role of education in racial/ethnic and nativity differences in cognitive impairment/no dementia (CIND) and dementia among older US adults. METHODS: Data comes from the 2012 Health …
Racial/Ethnic and Nativity Differences in Cognitive Life Expectancies Among Older Adults in the United States
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To document racial/ethnic and nativity differences by gender in cognitive life expectancies among older adults in the United States. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Sullivan-based life tables were used to estimate cognitively normal, cognitively impaired/no dementia (CIND), and dementia life expectancies by gender for White, Black, U.S.-born Hispanic, and foreign-born Hispanic adults 50 years and older in the Health and Re…
Functional Status Is Associated With 30-Day Potentially Preventable Readmissions Following Home Health Care
BACKGROUND: Beginning in 2019, home health agencies' rates of potentially preventable hospital readmissions over the 30 days following discharge will be publicly reported. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine the association between patients' functional status at discharge from home health care and 30-day potentially preventable readmissions. A secondary objective was to identify the most common conditions resulting in potentially p…
Social Engagement and Cognitive Function of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Our results suggest asymmetric patterns of actor-partner interdependence in Mexico, which may be reflective of the more traditional social role of women, and codependence within the couple. On the other hand, our results for the United States, where each spouse had significant actor effects but no partner effects, may suggest more independence within the couple
The Effect of Diabetes on the Cognitive Trajectory of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Despite the overall lower cognition in Mexico and different socioeconomic characteristics, the impact of diabetes on cognitive decline and the main risk and protective factors for poor cognition are similar in both countries
Rural/urban dwelling across the life-course and late-life cognitive ability in Mexico
Early- and late-life urban dwelling may result in cognitive advantages for older Mexican adults. Clinicians should consider where individuals resided throughout life to better understand a patient's likelihood of experiencing poor cognitive outcomes
The Influence of Education and Occupation Type on Birth Cohort Differences in Cognitive Function of Mexican Older Adults
Cognitive functioning is higher among more recent birth cohorts of older adults in Mexico. These cohort differences are partially mediated by education but not main lifetime occupation. Additional factors may contribute to cohort differences in cognitive function for older adults in Mexico
Social and Leisure Activities Predict Transitions in Cognitive Functioning in Older Mexican Adults
Mapping the effects of popular social and leisure activities onto common patterns in cognitive functioning may inform the development of more enjoyable and effective health-protective behavioral interventions
Does a Reduction in Receiving Assistance With Daily Activities Among Older Adults in Mexico Indicate An Increase in Unmet Needs or a Decrease in Needs for Care
The declining percentage of older adults in Mexico with ADL disability receiving assistance may not reflect increasing unmet needs. However, the increased prevalence of ADL disability will increase the number of older adults needing informal care
The dual impact of education and occupation on cognitive functioning in older Mexican adults
This research investigated the relationship between cognitive performance and an individual's educational attainment as well as occupational mental demands among Mexican adults aged 50 or older. We hypothesized that cognitively demanding work boosts cognitive performance for older adults regardless of their education level. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed data on 12,939 individuals in the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study using a Generalize…
The Association of Vision and Hearing Impairment on Cognitive Function and Loneliness
Objectives: We investigated whether self-reported vision and hearing were associated with cognitive function and loneliness among Mexican adults aged 50 and older. Methods: Mexican Health and Aging Study data. Vision/hearing status was self-reported (excellent-very good, good, fair-poor). Cognition was measured using nine tasks. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Analyses controlled for demographic and health characteristics…
Hospitalization and Mortality Among Mexican Adults With Arthritis
ObjectivesFew studies have investigated health outcomes associated with arthritis in low-middle-income countries. Our objective was to examine the association between arthritis and all-cause hospitalization and mortality among middle-aged and older adults in Mexico.MethodsOur sample included 12,106 participants aged >50 years from the 2012, 2015, and 2018 waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. Logistic regression was used for the associatio…
Medicine (20 works) · Gerontology (17 works) · Psychology (16 works) · Cognition (13 works) · Health disparities and outcomes (12 works) · Psychiatry (10 works) · Dementia (8 works) · Internal Medicine (7 works) · Aging and Gerontology Research (6 works) · Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research (6 works)