Table 3.
Bivariate Mean Estimates of Study Partner (SP) Characteristics, Participants’ Characteristics, and SP Reports on Participants’ Cognition and Function by SP Relationship.
| Characteristic | Spouse (n = 255) | Adult Child (n = 281) | Other (n = 194) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participant Characteristic | |||
| Age, mean (95%CI) | 78.5 (77.8–79.1)y,z | 84.6 (83.8–85.5)x | 83.0 (81.9–84.0)x |
| Women, % (95%CI) | 31.3 (26.0–37.3)y,z | 73.7 (68.2–78.5)x | 70.6 (63.8–76.6)x |
| White, % (95%CI) | 85.9 (81.0–89.6)z | 77.9 (72.7–82.4) | 72.2 (65.4–78.0)x |
| Black, % (95%CI) | 11.0 (7.7–15.5) | 20.3 (16.0–25.4) | 20.6 (15.5–26.9) |
| MMSE,h mean (95%CI) | 24.4 (23.7–25.1)y,z | 19.7 (18.8–20.6)x | 21.0 (20.0–22.1)x |
| SP Characteristic | |||
| Age, mean (95%CI) | 74.7 (73.8–75.6)y,z | 55.9 (54.7–57.1)x | 59.1 (56.6–61.7)x |
| Woman, % (95%CI) | 67.5 (61.4–73.0)z | 74.2 (68.7–79.0) | 82.1 (76.0–86.9)x |
| White, % (95%CI) | 85.4 (80.4–89.2)y,z | 72.7 (67.1–77.7)x | 67.6 (60.5–73.9)x |
| Black, % (95%CI) | 11.1 (7.7–15.6)y,z | 20.7 (16.3–25.9)x | 22.3 (16.9–28.9) |
| College degree, % (95%CI) | 14.9 (11.0–19.8)y | 33.1 (27.8–38.8)x | 22.2 (16.9–28.6) |
| Caregiver,g % (95%CI) | 20.8 (16.2–26.2)y,z | 49.1 (43.3–55.0)x,z | 33.0 (26.7–39.9)x,y |
| Live with participant, % (95%CI) | 87.8 (83.2–91.3)y,z | 33.2 (27.9–39.0)x | 28.3 (22.3–35.1)x |
| articipant’s Cognition & Function | |||
| Activity level,a mean (95%CI) | 2.6 (2.5–2.7)y,z | 3.0 (2.9–3.1)x | 2.9 (2.8–3.0)x |
| Current memory,b mean (95%CI) | 2.6 (2.5–2.8)y,z | 3.2 (3.0–3.4)x | 3.0 (2.8–3.2)x |
| Judgment,c mean (95%CI) | 2.5 (2.4–2.7)y | 3.2 (3.0–3.3)x | 2.9 (2.7–3.1) |
| Organization,d mean (95%CI) | 2.4 (2.2–2.6)y,z | 3.1 (2.9–3.3)x | 2.9 (2.7–3.1)x |
| BDRS,e mean (95%CI) | 1.6 (1.2–2.0)y,z | 3.7 (3.1–4.3)x | 2.7 (2.1–3.3)x |
| IADL,f mean (95%CI) | 0.9 (0.7–1.1)y,z | 2.4 (2.1–2.6)x,z | 1.6 (1.4–1.9)x,y |
| IADL>0,f % (95%CI) | 27.8 (22.3–33.3)y,z | 64.1 (58.4–69.7)x | 51.5 (44.5–58.6)x |
Note. 95%CI = 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) shown by: “x” = different from “Spouse” group, “y” = different from “Child” group, “z” = different from “Other” group.
Activity level= Average of informant ratings on 10 items, where higher scores reflect more activity.
Current memory = A single item of informant ranking from 1 to 5 where higher scores reflect greater impairment.
Judgment = A single item of informant ranking from 1 to 5 where higher scores reflect greater impairment.
Organization = A single item of informant ranking from 1 to 5 where higher scores reflect greater impairment.
BDRS = Blessed Dementia Ratings Scale is a 22-item informant measure of 2-year change in participant’s cognition.
IADL = Informant rating of participant’s functioning on five IADLs, where higher scores reflect greater impairment.
Asked respondent about providing or supervising care for a friend or relative in past month. Care was defined by actively helping with Activities of Daily Living.
MMSE = Mini-Mental Status Exam, scores range from 0 to 30 with higher scores reflecting better global cognitive function.