Ancillary Studies






Prior to accessing Mex-Cog public data, we request that the user register (free of charge) and agree to the same terms listed for the MHAS. In addition, we ask users to properly credit Mex-Cog for the use of any data as follows:

In Text 
The MHAS (Mexican Health and Aging Study) is partly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging (grant number NIH R01AG018016) in the United States and the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) in Mexico. 

The MHAS Cognitive Aging Ancillary Study Waves 1 and 2 (Mex-Cog 2016 and 2021) were sponsored by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging (NIH R01AG051158/ R56AG059756).

Data files and documentation are public use and available at www.MHASweb.org.

In References 

MHAS, Mexican Health and Aging Study, ([insert year]). Data Files and Documentation (public use): Mexican Health and Aging Study, ([insert Product Name]). Retrieved from  www.MHASweb.org on [insert date].

Mex-Cog, MHAS Cognitive Aging Ancillary Study, ([insert year]). Data Files and Documentation (public use): Mex-Cog, ([insert Product Name]). Retrieved from www.MHASweb.org on [insert date].


MHAS Cognitive Aging Ancillary Study - Mex-Cog

The Cognitive Aging Ancillary Study (Mex-Cog) was designed to complete an in-depth cognitive assessment in a subsample of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) using a harmonized cognitive assessment protocol (HCAP). For more information about the Mex-Cog please refer to the Methodological Document in English and Spanish; and the Flowcharts for Scoring and Creation of Constructed Variables in English and Spanish

Hair Samples 2018

In 2018, a sub-group of the MHAS was selected to provide a hair sample to examine exposure to heavy metals. INEGI personnel completed the collection of the samples. For more information about this ancillary study, refer to the descriptive document here.

Biomarkers and Anthropometric Measures 2012

In 2012, a sub-sample of the MHAS was selected to complete a series of anthropometric and performance measures, and a selection of biomarkers. The sub-sample for objective biomarkers was the full sample in 4 states that completed a direct interview in 2012. The Mexican Instituto National de Salud Pública (INSP) completed the health visit for the collection. INEGI personnel first conducted the survey interview, and notified respondents that in the following 1-3 weeks, special health personnel from INSP would return to the household. During the INSP visit, after identifying the household, study subject and spouse (if applicable), INSP personnel obtained informed consents in Spanish, and completed the following procedures: 1) Take blood pressure (twice during the visit), 2) take blood samples, and 3) complete anthropometric measures and performance tests. The biomarkers part of the study took approximately 30 minutes. For more information about this ancillary study please refer to the Biomarkers and Anthropometric Measures Methodological Document in English or Spanish.

Anthropometric Measures 2003

In 2003, a sub-sample of the MHAS was selected to complete a series of anthropometric (weight, height, waist and hip circumference, etc..) and performance measures (balance). INEGI personnel completed these measures.

Anthropometric Measures 2001

In 2001, a sub-sample of the MHAS was selected to complete a series of anthropometric (weight, height, waist and hip circumference, etc…) and performance measures (balance). INEGI personnel completed these measures.