Loneliness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis
2024
Loneliness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Sample size: 8443
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Abaei Elnaz, Martin Peter
Primary Institution: Iowa State University
Hypothesis
This study investigates the dynamic relationship between loneliness and cognitive performance in older adults.
Conclusion
The study found that higher loneliness is associated with lower cognitive functioning in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Older age is negatively correlated with cognitive function.
- Loneliness is positively correlated with older age.
- Male gender and higher education are positively correlated with cognitive function.
- Cognition and loneliness are negatively associated.
Takeaway
Feeling lonely can make it harder for older people to think clearly and remember things.
Methodology
The study used a random intercept cross-lagged panel model to analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study.
Participant Demographics
Individuals aged 65 years and older, with data drawn from Waves 9–14 of the Health and Retirement Study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.06
Confidence Interval
[.000,.015]
Statistical Significance
p<0.06
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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