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R J van Zonneveld

Publications and source records attributed to R J van Zonneveld.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

The association between change in cognitive function and longevity in Dutch elderly.

The association between rate of change in cognitive function and longevity was investigated with data from the Dutch Longitudinal Study Among the Elderly. A group of 211 Dutch persons aged 65-84 years at baseline (1955-1957) was reexamined twice during an 8-year follow-up period, after which mortality was ascertained through 1983. Cognitive function was assessed based on an adaptation of the Wechsler Memory Scale. Rate of change in cognitive function during the 8 years of follow-up was determined by regression on time for each individual. Cognitive function declined significantly over the 8-year period (mean yearly change, -0.28 units; 95% confidence interval -0.34 to -0.22). The rate of decline in cognitive function was strongly associated with subsequent survival time in the ages 70 years and over, with those with a large decline having a short survival time. No association could be demonstrated in the age group 65-69 years. Adjustment for potential confounders did not affect the magnitude of the association. These findings suggest that the rate of decline of cognitive function is an independent predictor of longevity in older persons.

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PubMed1989

Medical and social predictors of longevity in the elderly: total predictive value and interdependence.

In the Dutch Longitudinal Study among the Elderly, a probability sample of 3149 persons from the population of the Netherlands, initial ages 65-99 years, was followed from 1955 for 28 years. Vital status was determined in 1983 for 84% of the original sample. Multivariate regression models were used to predict the realized probability of dying (RPD), a measure of longevity based on actual survival time, sex and age at baseline. Predictor variables included physical, mental and social indicators of health status. The total variance explained was 20.2%. Objective health (rated by the examining physician) showed the strongest relationship with the RPD. Upon removing objective health from the model, 19.5% of the variance remained explained. Separate analyses were performed for (1) bio-medical, physical and mental examination variables, (2) disability and health care use variables, and (3) social and psychological variables; in each case the variance explained was over 11%, demonstrating considerable interdependence among predictors. Across different regression models, bio-medical and disability variables proved to be the most stable predictors of longevity.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1987

The role of longitudinal surveys among the elderly in predicting disability and longevity.

The burden of human suffering and the costs of money, manpower and material for the treatment and maintaining of disabled and/or chronically ill--particularly ageing and old--people are increasing immensely. Primary prevention--if possible--is therefore urgently needed in this field of health and social care. Prospective longitudinal epidemiological research may provide an important tool to learn more and better about the causes and development of many processes of malfunctioning and the incidence of disabling conditions at higher ages. For several reasons not many major extensive surveys of this kind have been undertaken so far, although a few are now underway. A very brief overview is presented of some main follow-up surveys, primarily where predictors of disability and longevity are involved. Comparability is difficult, results are sometimes conflicting. Good objective health, high scores on certain intelligence and memory tests seem to be good predictors for longevity, good subjective health more or less. In a Dutch survey disabilities with respect to activities of daily life were more strongly related to survival time in women than in men. Some variables indicating the use of health care services correlated all negatively with survival. The complexity of variables to predict better at high age the risks of disabilities, and survival time, requires a.o. sophisticated longitudinal studies, upon the results of which to base an adequate policy response.

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PubMedDate not supplied

[Drugs in old age--epidemiologic data on usage].

Surveys conducted in several countries corroborate the wellknown fact that a large proportion of old-age people take drugs (frequently different types at the same time). The situation in the Netherlands serves as an example in the article.

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