LONELINESS AND MEMORY LAPSES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN DAILY LIFE
2024
Loneliness and Memory Lapses in Older Adults
Sample size: 311
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Van Bogart Karina, Harrington Erin, Mogle Jacqueline, Kang Jee eun, Sliwinski Martin, Graham-Engeland Jennifer
Primary Institution: Northwestern University
Hypothesis
How does loneliness relate to subjective cognition in older adults?
Conclusion
Loneliness is linked to more frequent memory lapses and greater disruption in daily activities among older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Loneliness was associated with a higher number of prospective memory lapses.
- Higher loneliness was linked to more disruption in daily activities.
- Loneliness did not affect the number of retrospective memory lapses.
Takeaway
Feeling lonely can make it harder for older people to remember things and can disrupt their daily lives.
Methodology
The study used ecological momentary assessment over 14 days to collect data on loneliness and memory lapses.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 77.45 years, 40% Black, 13% Hispanic, 67% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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