The Longitudinal Association of Late-Life Visual and Hearing Difficulty and Cognitive Function: The Role of Social Isolation.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Sensory impairments are prevalent among older adults and have been associated with cognitive challenges in later life, yet mechanisms are less well understood. We examined the mediating role of social isolation in the longitudinal relationship between self-reported sensory difficulty and impaired cognitive functioning among older adults.

Methods

Data were taken from the NHATS Study, an annual survey of Medicare beneficiaries' age ≥ 65. Participants (N = 6,338) provided data at Rounds 5, 6, and 7 (2015, 2016, 2017). Structural equation models were estimated to test longitudinal direct and indirect associations.

Results

All sensory difficulties were negatively associated with all cognitive functioning measures cross-sectionally through social isolation

SUBMITTER: Yorgason JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9801657 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature