TY - JOUR
T1 - Social networks and cognitive function in older adults receiving home- and community-based aged care
AU - Siette, Joyce
AU - Georgiou, Andrew
AU - Brayne, Carol
AU - Westbrook, Johanna I.
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - Objectives: Social engagement has been linked to preserved cognitive functioning in later life. Yet, little is known about the specific network factors that best predict cognitive function in older adults. This study aimed to (i) characterize the quality and quantity of interpersonal relationships and (ii) explore the relationship between social network types and cognitive function in older adults receiving home- and community-based aged care services. Methods: Participants (n = 175) receiving aged care services participated in a structured interview regarding their cognitive function (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified), social networks (Lubben Social Network Scale-12) and quality of life (European Quality of Life Scale). Socio-demographic and aged care service use factors were obtained from provider electronic management systems. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the size and composition of clients’ social networks, aged care service use and cognition. Results: The sample had a median age of 81 years (range 61-96) and most were women (65.8%). Over a third (37.6%) had cognitive impairment and reported moderately high social networks. Males had higher social networks, were receiving fewer hours but more types of services, and had significantly better cognitive performance. Age, network size and composition were not associated with cognitive performance. Discussion: More extensive social networks were associated with maintenance of cognitive health for older adults in community aged care. Whether this is causal or a marker of better cognitive health requires a longitudinal approach, and ideally should be tested with interventions at community levels.
AB - Objectives: Social engagement has been linked to preserved cognitive functioning in later life. Yet, little is known about the specific network factors that best predict cognitive function in older adults. This study aimed to (i) characterize the quality and quantity of interpersonal relationships and (ii) explore the relationship between social network types and cognitive function in older adults receiving home- and community-based aged care services. Methods: Participants (n = 175) receiving aged care services participated in a structured interview regarding their cognitive function (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified), social networks (Lubben Social Network Scale-12) and quality of life (European Quality of Life Scale). Socio-demographic and aged care service use factors were obtained from provider electronic management systems. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the size and composition of clients’ social networks, aged care service use and cognition. Results: The sample had a median age of 81 years (range 61-96) and most were women (65.8%). Over a third (37.6%) had cognitive impairment and reported moderately high social networks. Males had higher social networks, were receiving fewer hours but more types of services, and had significantly better cognitive performance. Age, network size and composition were not associated with cognitive performance. Discussion: More extensive social networks were associated with maintenance of cognitive health for older adults in community aged care. Whether this is causal or a marker of better cognitive health requires a longitudinal approach, and ideally should be tested with interventions at community levels.
UR - https://hdl.handle.net/1959.7/uws:62618
U2 - 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104083
DO - 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104083
M3 - Article
VL - 89
JO - Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
JF - Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
M1 - 104083
ER -