Dynamic Longitudinal Associations Between Social Support and Cognitive Function: A Prospective Investigation of the Directionality of Associations.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate the reciprocity of social support and cognitive function in late life.

Method

Analyses were based on three parallel repeat measures of social support and cognition from the Whitehall II cohort, providing 10-year follow-up of 6,863 participants (mean age 55.8 years, SD 6.0 at baseline). Alternative hypotheses were evaluated via four bivariate dual change score models: Full coupling model estimated mutual influences of social support and cognition on subsequent changes in each other; social causation model assumed a unidirectional influence from social support onto changes in cognition, while the opposite assumption was tested by health selection model; last, no coupling model suggested independent growth of these two sets of variables.

Results

SUBMITTER: Liao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6146756 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature