YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME: CAN SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOOD AND MCI?

摘要

Social networks can change with age, for reasons that are adaptive or unwanted. A larger social network is beneficial to both mental health and cognition. Consequently this study explored this association and assessed the mediation of the relationship between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mood problems by social network size. This study includes an analysis of data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study Wales (CFAS Wales). CFAS Wales data were collected by conducting structured interviews with older people aged over 65 years of age living in urban and rural areas of Wales, and included questions that assessed cognitive functioning, mood, and social networks. This study demonstrates that having a larger social network is beneficial to both mood and cognition. Correlation analyses suggest that as social network increases, symptoms of anxiety and depression decrease. Regression analyses reveal that social network size is a significant mediator of the relationship between MCI and mood problems.These findings are important, as mood problems are a risk factor for progression from MCI to dementia, so interventions that increase and strengthen social networks may have beneficial effects on slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Social network size represents a potentially modifiable variable, in that more opportunities to socialise can be explored and implemented. For example, many older people struggle to access transport to attend social situations, which could be acted upon, and additionally, advances in technology could be utilised to provide social opportunities for older people.