Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Myintmo Tun and I am a sophomore majoring in Biology with minors in Math and Chemistry. Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, I've always been passionate about understanding how our mindset shapes our personal growth and development as humans. My current research project examines the correlation between persistence, psychological well-being, and cognitive function in older individuals diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). I want to further my education in the future by attending medical school, and one day becoming a pediatrician.

Psychological Well-Being, Persistence, and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 3,000
individuals globally, is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairments (Gutmann et
al., 2017). Prior research suggests that psychological factors, like purpose in life, are protective
against cognitive decline (Sutin et al., 2018); however, because limited research has investigated
middle-aged and older adults (MOA) with NF1, the extent to which these factors influence
cognitive function in the NF1 population remains undetermined. Thus, this study examines
whether psychological factors are associated with cognitive function among MOA and NF1.
The current sample consists of 165 adults aged 40–81 years (M = 53.89; SD = 10.55). Objective
cognitive function is measured using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status
(TICSm). Subjective cognitive function is assessed through self-reported scoring for memory
and processing speed. Psychological factors include psychological well-being and persistence. A
42-item measure (Ryff, 1989) is used to evaluate psychological well-being. Persistence is
assessed using the 8-item GRIT-S measure (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009).
Results highlight psychological factors as protective for cognitive function in MOA with NF1.
Specifically, higher scores on purpose in life are associated with better cognitive function, both
objectively and subjectively, whereas higher persistence is associated with better subjective
cognition only. Considering that MOA with NF1 face an increased risk for dementia (de Souza
Costa et al., 2014), our findings suggest psychological factors may be important to account for
when studying cognitive function in this under-researched population.

Keywords: NF1, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, cognitive function, cognition, persistence, psychological well-being