The effects of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function in older adults with diabetes: a latent growth model analysis

Social isolation and loneliness are modifiable yet under-studied factors that may exacerbate the effect of diabetes on cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the initial levels and changes in cognitive function in older adults with diabetes.

This study conducted secondary data analysis using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data from 1416 participants aged 50 and over with diabetes who participated in six waves of the HRS over 10 years were analyzed. Latent growth modeling was employed within a structural equation modeling framework.

Higher levels of social isolation in older adults with diabetes were linked to lower initial levels of total cognitive function and diminished backward counting ability, whereas no such association was found for loneliness. However, neither social isolation nor loneliness showed associations with a faster decline in total cognitive function and its subdomains.

To mitigate the heightened risk of cognitive impairment among older adults with diabetes, it is crucial to identify modifiable factors that can prevent cognitive decline. Healthcare providers should be attentive to older adults with diabetes who are socially isolated and lonely to deter the progression of cognitive impairment and dementia.