Loneliness and subjective cognitive concerns in daily life

Loneliness is a risk factor for dementia, but its relationship with subjective cognitive concerns in daily life remains underexplored. This study investigates how loneliness relates to self-perceived cognitive function in everyday contexts.

Data from 1,828 adults (M_age = 56.56; 55.7% female) in the National Study of Daily Experiences were analyzed. Respondents completed 8 days of daily assessments on loneliness, cognitive concerns (e.g. memory lapses), and other aspects of daily life. Multilevel linear and binary logistic regressions were used.

The analysis indicated a significant between- and within-person association between loneliness and subjective cognition. At the between-person level, participants who felt lonelier tended to report more cognitive problems. At the within-person level, on days participants felt lonely (independent of the frequency of those feelings), they also reported more trouble concentrating and were more likely to experience memory lapses. Feeling lonely was also linked to irritation and interference related to memory lapses. In general, the associations remained significant controlling for demographic and socio-contextual factors and excluding individuals with anxiety/depression or neurodegenerative conditions.

Results suggest that even transitory feelings of loneliness are associated with poor perceptions of everyday cognitive function, a marker with implications for future risk of cognitive decline.