Social isolation and cognitive decline in older adults: a longitudinal study across 24 countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cognitive decline represents a grave public health concern associated with aging, and its prevalence has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated rates of disability, dementia risk, and mortality. In recent years, social isolation has emerged as a significant social determinant that may exacerbate cognitive deterioration in older adults.

Methods

Drawing on harmonized data from five major longitudinal aging studies across 24 countries (N = 101,581), we constructed standardized indices to assess social isolation and cognitive ability. Linear mixed models and multinational meta-analyses were employed to examine their association. To address potential endogeneity and reverse causality, we further applied the System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM), l

SUBMITTER: Zhang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12522220 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature