CONTEXT The social environment may influence cognitive function in aging. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated whether specific genes modify this association. OBJECTIVE To examine whether the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele modifies the association of neighborhood psychosocial hazards and cognitive function. DESIGN A cross-sectional analysis. SETTING The Baltimore Mem...

According to the use it or lose it hypothesis, intellectually stimulating activities postpone age-related cognitive decline. A previous systematic review concluded that a high level of mental work demands and job control protected against cognitive decline. However, it did not distinguish between outcomes that were measured as cognitive function at one point in time or as cognitive decline. Our...

The notion that psychological factors affect cancer has been present throughout history [ 1 ] . The immune system plays a critical role in cancer incidence, progression, and quality of life; thus, the fi eld of psychoneuroimmunology has been at the forefront of these investigations. Stress is an important factor that dysregulates immune function [ 2 ] . In this chapter, we fi rst review evidenc...

Psychosocial assets of 37 adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) and 46 of their healthy peers were assessed by mailed questionnaire. Major sociodemographic variables did not differ significantly between the two groups, nor did indices of emotional social support, social network density, self-esteem, or current life satisfaction. This study revealed adults with CF to function on a par with their heal...

Papers in this Thesis Paper I " Role of MAO-A genotype & psychosocial factors in male adolescent criminal activity " , Paper II " Role of the serotonin transporter gene and family function in adolescent alcohol consumption " , Paper III " Development of depression: sex and the interaction between environment and promoter polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene " , Paper IV " Adolescent g...

For occupational therapy to provide a holistic view of meaningful activity, we must understand the relationship between physical, psychological, and social variables, especially as they affect our psychosocial evaluations and treatment. Existing definitions of psychosocial variables are unclear and, for occupational therapy practice, must be linked to activity and occupational performance. Occu...