Cognitive Impairment and the Trajectory of Loneliness in Older Adulthood: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study.

TitleCognitive Impairment and the Trajectory of Loneliness in Older Adulthood: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsLee, JHyun, Luchetti, M, Aschwanden, D, Sesker, AA, Strickhouser, JE, Terracciano, A, Sutin, AR
JournalJournal of Aging and Health
Volume34
Issue1
Pagination3-13
ISSN Number1552-6887
Keywordscognitive impairment, cognitive impairment no dementia, Dementia, Loneliness
Abstract

To examine whether the trajectory of facets of loneliness-emotional and social-varied by cognitive impairment status in older adulthood. Data came from the Health and Retirement Study 2008-2018 waves ( = 15,352). Cognitive impairment was assessed using standard cutoffs for cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and dementia. The 11-item UCLA loneliness scale was used to measure emotional and social loneliness. Using multilevel modeling, we found that CIND and dementia status were associated with higher overall, emotional, and social loneliness, controlling for physical health, social contact, and depressive symptoms. The trajectory of loneliness did not vary by cognitive status. There were modest variations by sociodemographic factors. Persons with CIND and dementia experience heightened emotional and social loneliness, but cognitive impairment does not contribute to the worsening of loneliness. Older adults' social integration may be maintained early in cognitive impairment.

DOI10.1177/08982643211019500
Citation Key11625
PubMed ID34027689
PubMed Central IDPMC8606613