The current study examined whether coping strategies mediate the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult psychiatric and physical health outcomes.Data were drawn from wave I (N ...

Objectives: Converging evidence suggests that the sequelae of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including childhood abuse (e.g., sexual, physical, emotional/verbal abuse, neglect) and other ACE (e.g., family dysfunction, parental loss, parental psychopathology, substance abuse, incarceration, and domestic violence) have pronounced effects on suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation, attempts, and death by suicide) in older age. There are fundamental changes in the developmental trajectory of biological, psychological and behavioral processes that result from ACE and that exert influence throughout the life span. Different moderators and mediators may affect the extent and nature of the relationship. However, the literature on the specific mechanisms whereby ACE affects suicidality in later life has not been well identified. Method: We review and draw from extant multidisciplinary evidence to develop a heuristic framework through which to understand how ACE may lead to suicide in later life. Results: Proposed mechanisms span biological factors (neurological, gene-environment), psychiatric and health functioning, and psychosocial development (cognitive biases, coping resources, interpersonal deficits). Evidence suggests that ACEs affect each of these constructs, and it is likely in the interaction of these constructs with late-life stressors that suicidality in older adulthood emerges. Conclusion: ACEs have persistent and multifaceted effects on suicidality in late life. This association is due to multi-varied pathways. It is believed that the explanatory framework developed herein – in which biological, psychological and behavioral factors are organized, and the role of late-life stressors is highlighted – will spark further scientific inquiry into this important area.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing concern for the aging population worldwide. With no current cure or reliable treatments available for AD, prevention is an important and growing area of research. A range of lifestyle and dietary patterns have been studied to identify the most effective preventive lifestyle changes against AD and related dementia (ADRD) pathology. Of these, the most studied dietary patterns are the Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, ketogenic, and modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diets. However, there are discrepancies in the reported benefits among studies examining these dietary patterns. We herein compile a narrative/literature review of existing clinical evidence on the association of these patterns with ADRD symptomology and contemplate their preventive/ameliorative effects on ADRD neuropathology in various clinical milieus. By and large, plant-based dietary patterns have been found to be relatively consistently and positively correlated with preventing and reducing the odds of ADRD. These impacts stem not only from the direct impact of specific dietary components within these patterns on the brain but also from indirect effects through decreasing the deleterious effects of ADRD risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Importantly, other psychosocial factors influence dietary intake, such as the social connection, which may directly influence diet and lifestyle, thereby also impacting ADRD risk. To this end, prospective research on ADRD should include a holistic approach, including psychosocial considerations.

Objective: The present study examined age differences in the association between daily stressors and allostatic load. Method: Participants consisted of 317 adults (34-84 years) who participated in Waves 1 (1996-1997) and 2 (between 2005 and 2009) of the Midlife Development in the United States Survey. During Wave 1, participants reported the stressors they encountered across eight consecutive days. Within-person affective reactivity slopes indexing change in negative affect from a nonstressor day to a stressor day were calculated for each participant. Affective reactivity and stressor exposure scores at Wave 1 were used to predict allostatic load at Wave 2. Results: Heightened levels of affective reactivity at Wave 1 predicted elevated levels of allostatic load at Wave 2 but only among older adults who also reported high levels of stressor exposure. No significant associations emerged for younger adults. Discussion: Daily stress processes may be one pathway through which age-related physical health declines occur.

Older adults experience increased risk for suicide compared to the general population, and the circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may potentiate this risk. We discuss how current COVID-19 pandemic-related policies are likely to harm older adults disproportionately. COVID-19 pandemic social distancing policies and ethical guidelines for COVID-19 treatment may exacerbate experiences of social isolation, perceived expendability, and exposure to suffering, which are related to the 3 main components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (i.e., thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness to society, and capability for suicide). The COVID-19 pandemic poses a drain on services and has drawn ethical debates about policies around treating younger adults first. These experiences may lead older adults to have reduced access to needed medical and psychiatric services and may convey damaging messages of expendability. Furthermore, the potential prolonged stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may affect neurological, immunological, and health functioning—exacerbating suicide risk. Potential venues to increase treatment options and decrease social isolation are discussed. We acknowledge optimistic effects as well, such as “pulling together” as a society and the many valuable ways older adults may contribute during this crisis.