@article{ref1,
title="Marijuana use among community-dwelling older adults: a population-based study",
journal="International journal of geriatric psychiatry",
year="2024",
author="De Genna, Natacha M. and Jacobsen, Erin and Ganguli, Mary",
volume="39",
number="4",
pages="e6086-e6086",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of population-level data on marijuana use and mental health and functioning in older adults. <br><br>METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data (n = 910) from a well-characterized cohort, the Monongahela-Youghiogheny Healthy Aging Team (MYHAT) study. MYHAT is an age-stratified random sample of the population age 65 years and older from a small-town in the USA. Half the sample was female and half were over 75 (Mean age = 77). Most participants were non-Hispanic White. Marijuana use was assessed by self-report and symptoms of mood disorders were screened using the modified Centers for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder screener. Cognition was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and a neuropsychological test battery; functioning using the OARS Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; and overall assessment using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR®). <br><br>RESULTS: One in five MYHAT participants had a history of marijuana use and 5% reported recent use, primarily for pain (41%) and recreation/relaxation (37%). Recent use was associated with cigarette and alcohol use, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and impairments in attention. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-percent of community-dwelling older adults living in a US state where recreational marijuana use is illegal had a history of marijuana use. Recent marijuana use was less common but, consistent with prior research, associated with other substance use and poorer mental health.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0885-6230",
doi="10.1002/gps.6086",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/gps.6086"
}