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Associations between Social Support and Cognitive Performance among Persons with MS
Caroline M Rafizadeh1, Cheyenne Smith2, Lauren B Strober1
1Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ 07936.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|July 28, 2023
Summary
Greater perceived social support is linked to better cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Maintaining strong social connections may support cognitive health in individuals with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Social support is recognized as a protective factor against cognitive decline in the general population.
- The specific impact of social support on cognitive functioning in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between various facets of social support and cognitive performance in persons diagnosed with MS.
- To determine if perceived social support or social network size are associated with cognitive outcomes in MS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 individuals with MS completed validated social support questionnaires (MSSS-5, SNI).
- Cognitive functioning was evaluated using a comprehensive, virtually-administered neuropsychological assessment.
- Multiple linear regression analyses were employed to analyze the associations between social support and cognitive measures.
Main Results:
- Both perceived social support and the size of one's social network significantly predicted processing speed and executive functioning, even after controlling for premorbid functioning.
- Perceived social support remained a significant predictor of processing speed/executive functioning even when employment status was considered.
- Social network size's predictive power for processing speed/executive functioning diminished when employment status was factored in.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced perceived social support correlates with superior processing speed and executive functioning in individuals with MS.
- This association is independent of premorbid cognitive abilities and employment status.
- Cultivating robust social support networks may be crucial for maintaining cognitive health in the MS population.
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