Social Support Domains Associated with Social Isolation in MCI

The millions of older adults who are affected by social isolation report less social support, which has been shown to benefit well-being and decrease risk for cognitive decline. Social support is measured in different ways, including emotional, informational, and instrumental support. As an exploratory study, this secondary data analysis of 30 older adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment examined what social support subtype is associated with social isolation. Social isolation was measured using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS^®) Social Isolation Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). Social support subtypes were measured using the PROMIS Informational, Emotional, and Instrumental Support CATs. We found that informational support, was significantly associated with decreased self-reported social isolation. This finding increases our understanding of informational support's potential and can inform future strategies for older adults with MCI facing social isolation.