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Rohit Varma

Publications and source records attributed to Rohit Varma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2025

Large-scale multi-omics analyses in Hispanic/Latino populations identify genes for cardiometabolic traits.

Here, we present a multi-omics study of type 2 diabetes and quantitative blood lipid and lipoprotein traits conducted to date in Hispanic/Latino populations (nmax = 63,184). We conduct a meta-analysis of 16 type 2 diabetes and 19 lipid trait GWAS, identifying 20 genome-wide significant loci for type 2 diabetes, including one novel locus and novel signals at two known loci, based on fine-mapping. We also identify sixty-one genome-wide significant loci across the lipid/lipoprotein traits, including nine novel loci, and novel signals at 19 known loci through fine-mapping. Next, we analyze genetically regulated expression, perform Mendelian randomization, and analyze association with transcriptomic and proteomic measure using multi-omics data from a Hispanic/Latino population. Using this approach, we identify genes linked to type 2 diabetes and lipid/lipoprotein traits, including TMEM205 and NEDD9 for HDL cholesterol, TREH for triglycerides, and ANXA4 for type 2 diabetes.

Female↗
PubMed2007

Determinants of normal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by Stratus OCT.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of age, optic disc area, ethnicity, eye, gender, and axial length on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the normal human eye as measured by Stratus OCT (optical coherence tomography). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred twenty-eight normal subjects 18 to 85 years old. METHODS: Peripapillary Fast RNFL scans performed by Stratus OCT with a nominal diameter of 3.46 mm centered on the optic disc were performed on one randomly selected eye of each subject. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Linear regression analysis of the effects of age, ethnicity, gender, eye, axial length, and optic disc area on peripapillary RNFL thickness. RESULTS: The mean RNFL thickness for the entire population was 100.1 microm (standard deviation, 11.6). Thinner RNFL measurements were associated with older age (P<0.001); being Caucasian, versus being either Hispanic or Asian (P = 0.006); greater axial length (P<0.001); or smaller optic disc area (P = 0.010). For every decade of increased age, mean RNFL thickness measured thinner by approximately 2.0 microm (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.8). For every 1-mm-greater axial length, mean RNFL thickness measured thinner by approximately 2.2 microm (95% CI, 1.1-3.4). For every increase in square millimeter of optic disc area, mean RNFL thickness increased by approximately 3.3 microm (95% CI, 0.6-5.6). Comparisons between ethnic groups revealed that Caucasians had mean RNFL values (98.1+/-10.9 microm) slightly thinner than those of Hispanics (103.7+/-11.6 microm; P = 0.022) or Asians (105.8+/-9.2 microm; P = 0.043). There was no relationship between RNFL thickness and eye or gender. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, as measured by Stratus OCT, varies significantly with age, ethnicity, axial length, and optic disc area. These variables may need to be taken into account when evaluating patients for diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma, particularly at the lower boundary of the normal range. Due to the relatively small numbers of subjects of Asian and African descent in the normative database, conclusions regarding the effect of ethnicity should be interpreted with caution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Population-based study of early age-related macular degeneration: role of the complement factor H Y402H polymorphism in bilateral but not unilateral disease.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, a strong association has been observed for the complement factor H (CFH) Tyr402His polymorphism with early and advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in independent non-Hispanic White, clinic-based, case-control studies. These studies suggest the CFH His402 allele is a major risk allele in early and advanced AMD, explaining 43% to 70% of all AMD in older adults. We utilized a population-based case-control study design of early AMD among Latinos/Hispanics to evaluate the CFH Tyr402His polymorphism for an association with early AMD phenotypes. DESIGN: Retrospective population-based case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: This study cohort consists of 285 early AMD cases and 570 controls matched on age, birthplace, and smoking status. METHODS: Genotype determination was performed by allele-specific digestion of polymerase chain reaction products. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complement factor H Tyr402His polymorphism. RESULTS: We observed no overall statistically significant association with early AMD among Latinos. However, a subset of early AMD cases that have bilateral, not unilateral, intermediate-to-large soft macular drusen were 1.7 times more likely to carry either the homozygous or heterozygous His402 genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the CFH Tyr402His is not a major risk factor for overall early AMD in this Latino population, but may play a role in susceptibility to phenotypes of early AMD likely to progress to late AMD.

Alleles↗
PubMed2006

Effects of corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and intraocular pressure level on Goldmann applanation tonometry and dynamic contour tonometry.

PURPOSE: To compare the measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) and the effects of central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, and level of IOP on these methods. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study. PARTICIPANTS: From the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study, 2157 participants of primarily Mexican ancestry. METHODS: Average GAT measurements were compared to DCT, and both were examined with respect to CCT (< or =500, 501-550, 551-600, >600 microns), corneal curvature (<42, 42-46, >46 diopters), and level of IOP (0-10, 11-20, >20 mmHg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean GAT and DCT IOP levels were compared for the entire population, and then trends for the CCT, curvature, and IOP groupings were analyzed. The magnitude of the difference of GAT minus DCT was compared for these different strata, with special attention to a difference of +/- 3 mmHg or greater, which was defined as clinically significant. RESULTS: Mean IOP for the entire population by GAT was significantly lower (14.4+/-3.2 mmHg) compared with DCT (16.0+/-3.6; P<0.0001). Both GAT and DCT IOP levels were lowest for thin CCT and increased stepwise with increasing CCT, but this difference was more pronounced with GAT than DCT (P<0.0001 and P = 0.0012, respectively). The difference between GAT and DCT was largest for thin CCT and decreased for thicker CCT (P<0.0001). After adjusting for CCT, the corneal curvature affected IOP measured by DCT (P = 0.02) but not GAT (P = 0.3) such that mean DCT IOP increased with increasing corneal curvature. After adjusting for the CCT effect on IOP and stratifying by DCT IOP groups, the greatest difference between GAT and DCT was seen in the lowest IOP group (3.55+/-3.1), became negative in the intermediate group (-1.86+/-2.60), and was most negative in the highest IOP group (-3.88+/-3.3; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular pressure measured by GAT was consistently lower when compared with DCT, and this difference was greatest with thinner CCT. Dynamic contour tonometry was also less affected by variations in CCT. Corneal curvature affected IOP measurements with DCT but not GAT, but this effect was less than the CCT effect on GAT. Goldmann applanation tonometry tended to underestimate IOP at higher levels and overestimate it at lower IOP levels when compared to DCT.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Impact of severity and bilaterality of visual impairment on health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of unilateral and bilateral visual impairment (VI) and its severity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Latinos 40 years and older. DESIGN: A cross-sectional population-based study, the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES). PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand three hundred seventy-seven LALES participants. METHODS: Health-related quality of life was measured by the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Visual acuity (VA) was measured by a standardized protocol. Based on the presenting VA, VI was classified as unilateral or bilateral impairment and as either mild (20/40-20/63) or moderate/severe (20/80 or worse). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: National Eye Institute VFQ-25 and SF-12 composite and subscale scores. RESULTS: The NEI VFQ mean composite score decreased from no VI (86) to bilateral moderate/severe VI (66) (P<0.006). Relative to participants with no VI, those with unilateral or bilateral VI at any severity level had significantly lower NEI VFQ-25 scores for 10 of the 12 subscales (P<0.05). The largest mean score differences between participants with and without VI were observed for subscales related to driving difficulties (42.5 points), vision-related dependency (29.1 points), distance vision (27.0 points), and vision-related mental health (24.5 points). No differences in SF-12 scores were found between participants with and without VI (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Relative to persons with no VI, persons with bilateral mild and unilateral or bilateral moderate/severe VI report greater difficulties in performing most vision-dependent daily activities and experience vision-related dependency and poorer vision-related mental health. Because most visual function subscale scores were significantly lower in persons with bilateral mild and/or unilateral/bilateral moderate/severe VI, health care providers should consider intervention in these persons. Our findings provide further insight into the relationship between severity level, bilaterality of VI, and self-reported visual function. These data can be used to refine the determination of visual disability in persons with VI.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Noncompliance with vision care guidelines in Latinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and personal factors associated with noncompliance with American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for vision care in a population-based sample of adult Latinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred twenty-one Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) participants with a history of T2DM and a history of treatment for T2DM. METHODS: Detailed interviews, physical examinations, and dilated eye examinations were performed on all participants. Interviews assessed sociodemographic factors, history of diabetes and eye disease, and utilization of health and eye care services. All participants with a self-reported history and treatment of diabetes were asked about health and vision care utilization and diabetes self-care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Compliance with ADA guidelines for vision care. Noncompliance was defined as having had no dilated eye examination in the previous 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify personal factors associated with noncompliance. RESULTS: Of 821 individuals who self-reported having T2DM and being on treatment for T2DM, 535 (65%) had not complied with ADA vision guidelines for persons with T2DM. When compared with those with T2DM who complied with ADA guidelines, noncompliers were more likely to be less educated (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.2), to lack health insurance (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-3.7), to have had no routine physical examination in the 12 months before the LALES examination (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5), and to have a glycosylated hemoglobin level > or = 9.0% (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: Because timely and appropriate vision care can delay the onset of ocular morbidity, visual impairment, and blindness associated with diabetic retinopathy, our data suggest the need to evaluate intervention programs aimed at a targeted group of Latinos with T2DM--those who have less than a high school education, lack health insurance, have had no routine physical examination in the previous year, and have poorly controlled T2DM.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Automated detection of clinically significant macular edema by grid scanning optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the detection of clinically significant diabetic macular edema (DME) by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) grid scanning protocol and biomicroscopic examination. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients at the Doheny Eye Institute. METHODS: The clinical and imaging records of a consecutive series of 71 eyes of 40 patients referred for DME who underwent OCT using the both the Macular Grid 5 (MG5) scanning protocol (to allow a more evenly distributed sampling of points in the macula) and the standard Fast Macular Thickness Map (FMTM) pattern were reviewed. An automated algorithm was developed to generate a retinal thickness map using the MG5 data, which was then compared with a normative database to identify presumed areas of retinal edema. Clinically significant macular edema (CSME) was also identified by clinical examination and stereoscopic fundus photographs for comparison with the results of the OCT protocols. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of scanning protocols. RESULTS: Optical coherence tomograms were inspected visually, and automatically detected retinal boundaries were found to be correct in 69 of 71 MG5 scans and in 65 of 71 FMTM scans. Macular Grid 5 scanning was performed twice in each eye, and the repeatability (pooled standard deviation) of the total area of edema was 0.48 mm2 (coefficient of variation, 6.8%). Sensitivity and specificity of the MG5 for detection of CSME relative to the clinical examination were 89% and 86%, respectively, with kappa being 0.74. Macular Grid 5 and FMTM assessment of foveal CSME also showed good agreement, with kappa being 0.68. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis algorithm for the OCT MG5 grid scan seems to be accurate and repeatable. Automated detection of CSME by the MG5 analysis correlated well with the clinical grading and standard OCT analysis (FMTM). Macular Grid 5 provides more information regarding the perifoveal macula than FMTM and may be of value to clinicians in planning treatment and in future studies of macular edema.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Smoking, alcohol intake, estrogen use, and age-related macular degeneration in Latinos: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between smoking, alcohol intake, estrogen use, and both early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (soft indistinct drusen, retinal pigment abnormalities) and advanced AMD (exudative AMD, geographic atrophy) in the Latino community. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Complete ophthalmic examination included stereoscopic macular photographs graded with a modified Wisconsin Age-related Maculopathy Grading System. A history of smoking, alcohol intake, and exogenous estrogen use was obtained by interview. Logistic regression was performed, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated with each AMD lesion as a dependent variable. RESULTS: There were 5875 participants (92.4%) with gradable photographs. Having ever smoked was associated with a higher risk of having advanced AMD (OR, 2.4). Heavy consumption of alcohol (>5 drinks per session) was significantly associated with a greater risk of having exudative AMD (OR, 5.8) and geographic atrophy (OR, 12.7) Beer drinking was associated with a higher risk of having advanced AMD (OR, 2.9), whereas wine drinking appeared to be protective for increased retinal pigment (OR, 0.7). Exogenous estrogen use also appeared to be protective from soft indistinct drusen (OR, 0.5) and increased retinal pigment (OR, 0.6), but power was limited in the assessment of its association with advanced AMD. CONCLUSION: Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, particularly beer, was associated with a greater risk of having advanced AMD; exogenous estrogen use appeared to have a weak protective effect in Latino participants. Similar modifiable risk factors have been identified previously in non-Hispanic white patients, which suggests that common pathogenic mechanisms may be associated with AMD in persons of different ethnicities.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Causes of low vision and blindness in adult Latinos: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the causes of low vision and blindness in a population-based sample of adult Latinos. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Six thousand three hundred fifty-seven Latinos 40 years and older from 6 census tracts in Los Angeles, California. METHODS: Participants underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination including measurement of best-corrected distance visual acuity using a standard Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol, a complete anterior and posterior segment evaluation by an ophthalmologist, Humphrey Visual field testing, and optic disc and fundus photography. Consensus diagnosis of independent investigators reviewing all patient data was used to determine the major causes of low vision and blindness in adult Latinos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary causes of vision loss in persons with low vision and blindness. RESULTS: The leading causes of low vision were cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, together accounting for approximately 82% of all persons with low vision. The primary causes of blindness were age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and myopic degeneration, accounting for 63% of the cases of blindness. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the leading causes of low vision and blindness in adult Latinos are potentially preventable and treatable diseases. Given the projected aging and growth in the Latino population, consideration needs to be given to the development of targeted early detection and treatment programs.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The multi-ethnic pediatric eye disease study: design and methods.

PURPOSE: To summarize the study design of the Multi-Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study (MEPEDS). METHODS: The objectives of the MEPEDS are to: (1) estimate age- and ethnicity-specific prevalence of strabismus, amblyopia, and refractive error; (2) evaluate the association of selected risk factors with these ocular disorders; and (3) evaluate the association of ocular conditions on limitations in health-related functional status in a population-based sample of 12,000 children aged 6-72 months from four ethnic groups--African-American, Asian-American, Hispanics/Latinos and non-Hispanic White. Each eligible child undergoes an eye examination, which includes an interview with his/her parent. The interview includes an assessment of demographic, behavioral, biological, and ocular risk factors and health-related functional status. The examination includes fixation preference testing, visual acuity, stereoacuity, axial length measurement, cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, eye alignment, and anterior and posterior segment examination.

Amblyopia↗
PubMed2006

Concentration of latanoprost ophthalmic solution after 4 to 6 weeks' use in an eye clinic setting.

PURPOSE: To determine the concentration of latanoprost in bottles of latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% after 4 or 6 weeks of use in patients in an eye clinic setting. METHODS: Patients treated with latanoprost for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to refill their prescriptions either at the Doheny Eye Institute clinic or a local pharmacy. Patients who used latanoprost binocularly were asked to return bottles to the clinic after 4 weeks of use and nonrefrigerated storage, and those who used latanoprost monocularly were asked to return used bottles after 6 weeks. Patients were then interviewed to determine bottle storage information and doses missed. Latanoprost concentration in residual solution was analyzed in a masked fashion, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: In all, 110 patients were enrolled and 89 returned their bottles. Sixty-nine bottles had sufficient residual volume to conduct HPLC analysis. All patients reported that bottles were stored at room temperature (average high from 70-95 degrees F during the daytime). The mean +/- SD latanoprost concentration measured in the residual solutions was 48.31 +/- 2.31 microg/mL. Ninety-four percent of the bottles had concentrations within 90% to 110% of the labeled amount. No difference in latanoprost concentrations was found between the bottles used for 4 weeks versus those used for 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: In an eye clinic setting, latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% remains stable after 4 or 6 weeks of patient use from the same bottle when stored at room temperature.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Myopic refractive error in adult Latinos: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To estimate gender- and age-specific prevalence of myopia and identify risk indicators for myopia in a population-based sample of Latino adults aged 40 years and older in La Puente, California. METHODS: Noncycloplegic automated refraction with supplemental standardized subjective refraction was performed for presenting visual acuity worse than 20/20. Potential risk indicators for myopia were evaluated by questionnaire and clinical examination. The gender- and age-specific prevalence of spherical equivalent myopia in phakic eyes was calculated. Multiple logistic regression identified independent risk indicators for myopia. RESULTS: Refractive error was analyzed for the worse eye of 5927 of 6357 participating Latinos. The overall prevalence of myopia < or = -1.0 D was 16.8%, and of high myopia < or = -5.0 D, 2.4%. When participants were stratified by age, myopia initially decreased with age and then increased in the oldest groups in association with nuclear opacification. Risk indicators for myopia were: oldest and youngest age groups, presence of diabetes mellitus, high acculturation, high school or higher education, and birth in the United States. The latter two were also predictors of high myopia. CONCLUSIONS: Risk indicators for myopia in adult Latinos include higher education, birth in the United States, high acculturation, and diabetes. The burden of myopia in older Latinos exceeds that in African Americans and non-Hispanic whites in the United States.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Self-reported comorbidities and visual function in a population-based study: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of self-reported systemic and ocular comorbid disease and visual function in Latino subjects. METHODS: National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and eye examination data were obtained from 5380 participants in the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study, a population-based prevalence study of eye disease in Latino subjects 40 years and older. We developed and contrasted 5 comorbidity measures. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess the association between comorbidity and visual impairment and self-reported visual function. Regression analyses determined the association of sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, and the best measure of comorbidity with the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score. The main outcome measure was self-reported visual function as assessed by the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score. RESULTS: On average, visual function subscale scores were lowest for those participants with the most systemic comorbid conditions (P<.05). This was more evident in participants with moderate or severe visual impairment compared with those with mild or no visual impairment (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported systemic comorbidities were associated with self-reported visual function. This association was greater at more severe levels of visual impairment. Of the 5 comorbidity measures assessed, the measure that summed the number of self-reported systemic comorbidities correlated most with self-reported visual function.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Sociodemographic factors and age-related macular degeneration in Latinos: the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the association of various sociodemographic factors and early and advanced (geographic atrophy, exudative) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Latinos. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study METHODS: The study population included Latinos (primarily Mexican-American) aged 40 years and older living in La Puente, California. Sociodemographic factors, obtained from an interviewer-administered questionnaire, included age, sex, Native American ancestry, acculturation, country of birth, employment, income, marital status, health insurance, and education level. All participants underwent complete ophthalmic examination. AMD was diagnosed from stereoscopic macular photographs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between sociodemographic factors and AMD. RESULTS: Gradable retinal photographs from 5875 participants were included. Mean participant age was 54.9 years, 42% were male, and 5% had Native American ancestry. Stepwise logistic regression analyses indicated that age, sex, and being born in the United States were associated with early AMD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 1.8, and 0.80, respectively). Native American ancestry was the associated with any advanced AMD and geographic atrophy (OR = 3.8 and 16.4, respectively). Family history of AMD was also associated with geographic atrophy (OR = 28.1). Acculturation was not associated with AMD. CONCLUSION: Independent risk indicators for the various types of AMD include older age, male sex, being born outside of the United States, Native American ancestry, and a family history of AMD. These risk factors were independent of other possible behavioral factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Experience with the baerveldt glaucoma implant in the management of pediatric glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcome in 48 eyes of 48 children who received a Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) for the management of pediatric glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. METHODS: The medical records of all patients with pediatric glaucoma who underwent a BGI at two tertiary care referral centers in Los Angeles between 1990 and 1999 were reviewed. Intraocular pressure (IOP), intraoperative and postoperative complications, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, and pre- and postoperative corneal diameter and axial length were collected from patient records. Criteria for success were IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without glaucoma medications, no need for further glaucoma surgery, the absence of visually threatening complications, and some residual vision (minimum visual acuity of light perception). RESULTS: The study included 48 eyes from 48 patients aged 16 years and younger (mean age 4.1 years). Mean preoperative IOP was 31.2 +/- 25.7 mm Hg, and mean postoperative IOP was 16.4 +/- 4.9 mm Hg. Cumulative probability of success (based on the Kaplan-Meier survival curve) was 95% at 6 months, 90% at 1 year, 84% at 2 years, 74% at 36 months, and 58% at 48 months. On average, the BGIs were successful for a mean period of 5.6 years (67.7 months). Overall, 11 eyes failed, with the causes being uncontrolled IOP (eight eyes), retinal detachment (two eyes), and no light perception (one eye). CONCLUSIONS: Baerveldt glaucoma implants can be a safe and effective treatment modality for the management of pediatric glaucoma refractive to medical therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Category fluency in a latino sample: associations with age, education, gender, and language.

The authors know of no published studies that have evaluated the effect of Spanish- versus English-language on category fluency within a sample of United States Latinos only. As part of a pilot study for the institution of a cognitive screening program in a cohort of Latinos, we assessed category fluency (fruits, vegetables, and "other" supermarket items) in a sample of 90 self-identified Latino community residents (aged 52-84, 0-18 years of education). The primary demographic correlates of category fluency were age and education. The decrement in naming of fruits with age was limited to the older old subjects (>age 70). Relatively younger old subjects (aged 61-70) did not differ from middle-aged subjects on category fluency. Gender showed little relationship to category naming. Persons naming in Spanish named significantly fewer 'other supermarket' items, but did not differ from English speakers in the more common fluency categories of fruits and vegetables. This analysis of category fluency in an ethnically homogenous sample with a wide range of formal education provided an evaluation of the effects of chosen language free of possible confounding by cultural differences, and also provided a more complete evaluation of the influence of education on category fluency.

Age Factors↗