DIRECTION MATTERS: THE ASYMMETRICAL EFFECT OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ON COGNITION
2024
The Impact of Social Isolation on Cognition in Older Adults
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kayser Jay, Johnson Kimson
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Changes in social isolation have asymmetrical effects on cognitive health in older adults.
Conclusion
Increased social isolation raises the risk of cognitive impairment, while decreases in isolation do not improve cognitive outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased social isolation increased the odds of possible or probable dementia.
- Decreased social isolation predicted improved orientation.
- Increased social isolation predicted lower orientation.
- Increased social isolation predicted decreased recall.
Takeaway
Being alone can make it harder for older people to think clearly, but being around others doesn't always help them think better.
Methodology
The study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study and applied fixed-effects models to analyze the effects of social isolation on cognition.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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