Changes in Social Network Size Are Associated With Cognitive Changes in the Oldest-Old

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Social isolation is a growing concern in aging populations, linked to cognitive decline.
• The oldest-old (85+) are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and dementia.
• Limited research exists on social isolation's cognitive impact in this specific age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between social isolation and cognitive function in the oldest-old (85+).
• To examine how changes in social network size affect cognitive changes over time in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the AgeCoDe and AgeQualiDe longitudinal cohort studies.
• Assessed social isolation using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6).
• Measured cognitive function with the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE).

Main Results:

• 32.3% of participants (n=942) aged 86.4 years were socially isolated.
• Smaller social networks were significantly associated with lower cognitive function (β = 0.5, p < .001).
• Shrinking social networks correlated with cognitive decline over time (β = 0.2, p = .003).

Conclusions:

• Social isolation is highly prevalent and a significant risk factor for cognitive decline in the oldest-old.
• Maintaining an active social lifestyle is vital for cognitive health in advanced age.
• Interventions to prevent social isolation are crucial for this vulnerable population.