Linked lives: Dyadic trajectories of cognitive function among middle-aged and older couples

Our study is among the first to analyze the developmental trajectories of cognitive function at the couple level.

Using longitudinal dyadic data obtained from 2,130 heterosexual couples who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study between 2011 and 2020, we employed the dyadic latent growth curve model to analyze the developmental trajectories of wives’ and husbands’ cognitive function from 2011 to 2018. We examined the significant predictors of membership of the latent profiles, as well as the extent to which membership of the latent profiles predicted husbands’ and wives’ depressive symptoms at follow-up (i.e., in 2018 and 2020).

The two identified dyadic profiles reflected distinct developmental trajectories at the couple level: high stable couples with outperforming husbands (Profile 1, 81.6% of couples), and moderate stable wives—moderate rapid decline husbands (Profile 2, 18.4% of couples). Husbands’ older age and higher number of functional limitations, and couples’ residence in rural areas at baseline predicted a higher likelihood of membership in Profile 2. Husbands reporting more chronic conditions at baseline predicted a lower likelihood of the couple being classified in Profile 2. Couples in Profile 2 exhibited higher levels of depression symptoms than their counterparts in Profile 1 in 2018 and 2020.

Our results highlight the utility of a couple approach in analyzing the developmental trajectories of cognitive functioning in later life and advance our understanding of how couple-level changes exert influence on both spouses’ mental health.