Self-perceived loneliness on cognitive functioning and on self-perceived cognitive abilities in aging

Loneliness in older adults is recognized as a psychosocial factor influencing cognitive performance. This study examines the impact of self-perceived loneliness both on actual cognitive performance and on individuals' self- perceived cognitive abilities.

A sample of 510 healthy older adults (354 females) aged between 64 and 103 years (mean = 78.78±8.72) was studied. Participants' self-perceived loneliness was assessed on UCLA Loneliness Scale-3 (Hughes et al., 2004), their cognitive performance with the standardized cognitive screening GEMS (Global Examination of Mental State) and their self-perceived cognitive efficiency with SMAC (Sclerosi Multipla Autovalutazione Cognitiva [Multiple Sclerosis cognitive self-evaluation]).

Results showed that the higher the perceived loneliness, the worse the cognitive performance (B = -1.18; p < 0.001) and the lower the self-perceived cognitive efficiency (B = 2.48; p < 0.001). However, loneliness is associated with a tendency to underestimate one's own cognitive abilities also when performance is average (F = 9.75, p < 0.001).

Loneliness in older adults should be regarded as highly impactful not only on cognitive performance but also on perception of one's own abilities. Indeed, even when cognitive efficiency is well preserved, loneliness leads to underestimation of personal cognitive resources.