MEDIATING ROLE OF DEPRESSION IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CUMULATIVE LONELINESS AND MEMORY FUNCTION, 2006–2020
2024
Loneliness, Depression, and Memory in Older Adults
Sample size: 4764
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Yu Xuexin, Zahodne Laura, Gross Alden, Needham Belinda, Langa Kenneth, Kobayashi Lindsay
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between cumulative loneliness and memory function in older adults.
Conclusion
Cumulative loneliness negatively impacts memory function, and this effect is mediated by depressive symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Greater cumulative loneliness was linked to lower memory function.
- Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between loneliness and memory.
Takeaway
Feeling lonely can make it harder to remember things, and being sad about it makes it even worse.
Methodology
Data were analyzed from two cohorts of adults aged 50+ using the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 65 years, with 62% female.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -0.016 to -0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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