Associations Between Loneliness and Cognitive Resilience to Neuropathology in Older Adults
2024
Loneliness and Cognitive Resilience in Older Adults
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Jackson Kathryn
Primary Institution: Northwestern University
Hypothesis
Higher levels of loneliness negatively affect cognitive resilience in older adults facing neuropathology.
Conclusion
Higher and increasing loneliness is linked to lower cognitive resilience in older adults with neuropathology.
Supporting Evidence
- Loneliness is associated with decreased cognitive function.
- Cognitive resilience is defined as the difference between actual and expected cognition given neuropathology.
- Higher loneliness levels correlate with lower cognitive resilience.
Takeaway
Feeling lonely can make it harder for older people to stay mentally strong, especially if they have brain issues.
Methodology
Data were combined from two longitudinal studies, and linear regression models were used to assess the effects of loneliness on cognitive resilience.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from two longitudinal studies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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