Social Relationships and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Research output: Contribution to conferenceChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Cognitive health is one of the most important determinants of the quality of life and functional independence in older adults. Recently, social relationships have emerged as a protective factor against neurocognitive disorders and cognitive decline in old age. This chapter reviews the literature investigating the influence of structural and functional aspects of social relationships on dementia risk and cognitive function in older adults. For the structural aspects, it includes studies on the effects of social networks, social contacts, and social activity participation on cognitive function in older adults. For the functional aspects, it notes the influences of social support, social conflict, and loneliness on dementia risk and cognitive aging. Lastly, the chapter discusses the potential factors that mediate or modulate the relationship between social relationships and cognitive function.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSociety Within the Brain
Subtitle of host publicationHow Social Networks Interact with Our Brain, Behavior, and Health as We Age
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages195-216
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9781108974325
ISBN (Print)9781108838290
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023.01.1

Keywords

  • cognitive aging
  • dementia
  • loneliness
  • social activity
  • social conflict
  • social network
  • social support

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