Association between Social Relationships and Cognitive Function among the Elderly

摘要

Aim: While numerous studies suggest that social relationships affect cognitive functioning, the specific aspects of social relationships that are associated with maintaining cognitive functioning are still unknown. This study clarified what aspects of social relationships are significantly associated with the maintenance of cognitive functioning among elderly individuals. Method: Baseline data were collected in 2011, and follow-up surveys were conducted 3 years later. Of the participants surveyed, 505 were included in the analyses. Participants were aged 65 years or older and lived in a suburban community in central Japan. Social relationships were evaluated using the Index of Social Interaction measure. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Cognitive Performance Scale. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to examine the association of each aspect of social relationships with cognitive functioning. Results: The social relationships subscales of independence, social curiosity, and interaction were significantly associated with cognitive functioning after controlling for age, sex, disease status, and instrumental activities of daily living in 2011. Conclusions: Social control, interaction with the social environment, and interaction with other people were significantly associated with cognitive functioning.