Proxy interviews and bias in cognition measures due to non-response in longitudinal studies: a comparison of HRS and ELSA

Authors

  • David R Weir Research Professor, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
  • Jessica D Faul Institute for Social Reseach University of Michigan
  • Kenneth M Langa University of Michigan Medical School & Research Scientist, Ann Arbor VA HSR&D Center of Excellence

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14301/llcs.v2i2.116

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is an important topic for longitudinal studies of aging, and one that directly affects ability to participate.  We study bias in measured cognition due to non-response in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).  The much greater use of proxy interviews for impaired respondents in the HRS virtually eliminates attrition bias in measured cognition, whereas there is a noticeable bias in ELSA where proxies are infrequently used.  Using Medicare claims data for the HRS we are able to compare cognitive impairment among dropouts post-attrition with that for continuing participants. There again we see the use of proxy interviews virtually eliminates a bias that would otherwise appear.

Author Biographies

David R Weir, Research Professor, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan

Research Professor, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan

Jessica D Faul, Institute for Social Reseach University of Michigan

Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan

Kenneth M Langa, University of Michigan Medical School & Research Scientist, Ann Arbor VA HSR&D Center of Excellence

MD, PhD., Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School

 

Research Scientist, Ann Arbor VA HSR&D Center of Excellence

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Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2011): Longitudinal and Life Course Studies

Section

Special Section

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