The Moderating Role of Race and Ethnicity in the Association Between Cognitive Performance and Functional Abilities in Later Life

This study examined ethnic/racial influences on the relationship of cognitive performance and functional abilities of 2,713 older individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Functional domains included activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, and leisure and social activities. In adjusted logistic regression models, low cognitive performance as assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test was found significantly associated with functional limitation in each domain. However, moderation analysis revealed that being Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black may weaken this association demonstrating protective effects of underrepresented ethnic/racial status. Future studies should investigate perceived discrimination and resilience.