BIO

Hello, my name is Daniel Sierra and I am currently a Junior at Florida State University, assisting with research at the Center for Translational Behavioral Science in Dr. Sheffler's laboratory. I am interested in researching topics related to Dementia and Epilepsy. I am originally from Miami, Florida. After achieving my Bachelors degree, my plans include attending medical school to become a Physician.

Loneliness, Marital Status, and Cognition in Mid- to Late-Life

Abstract

Abstract

Background. Cognitive decline, according to the CDC, impacts 1 in 9 adults. Research has demonstrated a link between marital status, loneliness, and cognitive decline. However, further research is needed to understand how loneliness may interact with marital status to influence cognition.
Methods. Data was collected through the MIDUS series, which was a longitudinal study conducted over 1995-2014 (N = 7,108). Participants were English-speaking, non-institutionalized Americans. Age, education level, ethnicity, sex, and income were used as covariates in each analyses. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition via telephone (BTACT). Data regarding marital status and loneliness was collected through self-reported questionnaires.
Results. We found that the relationship between marital status and cognition (B=-0.088) (P=0.008) was statistically insignificant. However, the relationship between loneliness and cognition (B=0.25) (P=.149) was found to be statistically significant. We also found that the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline is dependent on marital status, such that those who are unmarried are more impacted by loneliness and in turn, experience higher risk of cognitive decline and vice versa.
Conclusions. Examining these relationships may improve our understanding of how the brain is affected by social relationships.

Keywords: Cognitive Decline, Loneliness