Social network characteristics moderate associations between cortical thickness and cognitive functioning in older adults.
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ABSTRACT: Introduction
Prior research suggests that the strength of association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and lower cognitive performance is influenced by modifiable psychosocial factors, such as social network size. However, little is known about distinct social relationship types.Methods
The current cross-sectional study used data from the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project to examine whether social network characteristics (i.e., total size, spouse/partner, number of children, other relatives, friends) moderate associations between cortical thickness in regions implicated in AD and cognitive performance.Results
Lower cortical thickness was associated with worse global cognition among individuals with smaller friend networks, but not among individuals with larger friend networks. This pattern of results was most prominent for language and speed/executive functioning.Discussion
Longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to determine whether these cross-sectional findings reflect a protective effect of later-life friendships for maintaining cognitive performance in the context of poorer brain health.
SUBMITTER: Sharifian N
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8599522 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Social network characteristics moderate associations between cortical thickness and cognitive functioning in older adults.
Sharifian Neika N Zaheed Afsara B AB Morris Emily P EP Sol Ketlyne K Manly Jennifer J JJ Schupf Nicole N Mayeux Richard R Brickman Adam M AM Zahodne Laura B LB
Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association 20210518 2
<h4>Introduction</h4>Prior research suggests that the strength of association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and lower cognitive performance is influenced by modifiable psychosocial factors, such as social network size. However, little is known about distinct social relationship types.<h4>Methods</h4>The current cross-sectional study used data from the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project to examine whether social network characteristics (i.e., total size, spouse/partner, ...[more]
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