Dataset Information

Cumulative loneliness and subsequent memory function and rate of decline among adults aged ≥50 in the United States, 1996 to 2016

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The study objective was to investigate the association between loneliness duration and memory function over a 20-year period.

Methods

Data were from 9032 adults aged ≥50 in the Health and Retirement Study. Loneliness status (yes vs. no) was assessed biennially from 1996 to 2004 and its duration was categorized as never, 1 time point, 2 time points, and ≥3 time points. Episodic memory was assessed from 2004 to 2016 as a composite of immediate and delayed recall trials combined with proxy-reported memory. Mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted.

Results

A longer duration of loneliness was associated with lower memory scores (P < 0.001) and a faster rate of decline (P < 0.001). The association was stronger among adults aged ≥65 than those aged <65 (three-way interaction P = 0.013) and was stronger among women than men (three-way interaction P = 0.002).

Discussion

Cumulative loneliness may be a salient risk factor for accelerated memory aging, especially among women aged ≥65.

Highlight

A longer duration of loneliness was associated with accelerated memory aging. The association was stronger among women than men and among older adults than the younger. Reducing loneliness in mid- to late life may help maintain memory function.

SUBMITTER: Yu X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9895124 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Cumulative loneliness and subsequent memory function and rate of decline among adults aged ≥50 in the United States, 1996 to 2016

Yu Xuexin X Westrick Ashly C AC Kobayashi Lindsay C LC

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association 20220803 2

<h4>Introduction</h4>The study objective was to investigate the association between loneliness duration and memory function over a 20-year period.<h4>Methods</h4>Data were from 9032 adults aged ≥50 in the Health and Retirement Study. Loneliness status (yes vs. no) was assessed biennially from 1996 to 2004 and its duration was categorized as never, 1 time point, 2 time points, and ≥3 time points. Episodic memory was assessed from 2004 to 2016 as a composite of immediate and delayed recall trials ...[more]

PMID: 35920364

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Dataset Information

Cumulative loneliness and subsequent memory function and rate of decline among adults aged ≥50 in the United States, 1996 to 2016

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Highlight

Publications

Cumulative loneliness and subsequent memory function and rate of decline among adults aged ≥50 in the United States, 1996 to 2016

Similar Datasets

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