P2-423: Interactive Impacts of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Incident Dementia in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. P807-P807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna McHugh ◽  
Brian Lawlor ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Frank Kee
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

scholarly journals Loneliness, Social Integration, and Incident Dementia Over 6 Years: Prospective Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson ◽  
Martin Orrell ◽  
Eleonora d’Orsi ◽  
Eef Hogervorst ◽  
Andrew Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Objectives Social relationships are important for the maintenance of cognitive function at older ages, with both objective features of social networks and perceived social connections (loneliness) being relevant. There is limited evidence about how different aspects of social experience predict diagnosed dementia. Methods The sample comprised 6,677 dementia-free individuals at baseline (2004) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Baseline information on loneliness, number of close relationships, marital status, and social isolation (contact with family and friends and participation in organizations) was analyzed in relation to incident dementia over an average 6.25 years using Cox regression, controlling for potential confounding factors. Results Two hundred twenty participants developed dementia during follow-up. In multivariable analyses, dementia risk was positively related to greater loneliness (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.80, p = .008), and inversely associated with number of close relationships (p < .001) and being married (p = .018). Sensitivity analyses testing for reverse causality and different criteria for diagnosing dementia confirmed the robustness of these findings. There was no association with social isolation. Discussion Dementia risk is associated with loneliness and having fewer close relationships in later life. The underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but efforts to enhance older peoples’ relationship quality may be relevant to dementia risk.

scholarly journals LONELINESS, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND DOMAINS OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN THE ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S190-S191
Author(s):  
Jessica G Abell ◽  
Jessica Abell ◽  
Dorina Cadar ◽  
David J Llewellyn ◽  
Andrew Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Word List ◽  
Number Series ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Mini Mental Status Examination ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Globally the numbers of older people who live alone and those who may experience certain risk factors have risen. In this study, we aim to examine associations between social isolation and loneliness with different domains of cognitive impairment. Data are from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Social isolation and loneliness were measured in 2012-2013 and cognition in 2017-2018, using the Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) in 1,200 men and women aged ≥65 years. General cognitive impairment was measured using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE); memory was assessed using the CERAD word list, attention & speed using the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test and executive function by a number series test. Loneliness, measured using the UCLA scale, was associated with a higher risk of neurocognitive impairment (MMSE<24), lower memory scores, poorer attention and executive function. However, social isolation was only found only to be associated with lower levels of memory.

scholarly journals 24 Loneliness, Social Isolation and Frailty Among Older Adults in England: Results From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i7-i11
Author(s):  
K Davies ◽  
A Maharani ◽  
T Chandola ◽  
C Todd ◽  
N Pendleton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Isolation Measure ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Introduction Ten percent of over 65 s and between a quarter and half of over 85 s are frail. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased falls, rates of hospitalisation and mortality. Lonely and socially isolated older adults may also be at risk of frailty. We examined the relationship between loneliness, social isolation and incident frailty among older adults in England longitudinally over 12 years. Methods The study sample are 9,171 older adults aged ≥50 years participating in a population representative longitudinal panel survey, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Waves 2–8. To define frailty across the biannual waves, we used the Frailty Index (FI), analysed continuously and into categories (FI ≤0.08 non-frail, 0.08–0.25 pre-frail and ≥ 0.25–1 frail). We used baseline (Wave 2): loneliness measure using the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale; social isolation measure using previously reported method (Banks et al. The Institute for Fiscal Studies. 2006.). Both were categorised into low/medium/high. To examine relationships, we used linear mixed methods modelling (for the continuous FI), and Cox proportional hazard model (for the categorical FI). Results Loneliness (β = 0.023; 95% CI = 0.022, 0.025) and social isolation (β = 0.007; 95% CI = 0.003, 0.010) were significantly associated with increased FI, after adjusting for cofounders (gender, age, marital status, smoking status and wealth). There was a 60% greater relative risk of belonging to the frail class with a medium loneliness score compared to low (HR = 1.570; 95% CI 1.492, 1.652) and a 160% greater relative risk with high loneliness score compared to low (HR = 2.621; 95% CI 2.488, 2.761). Although less pronounced, there was a 1% greater relative risk of developing frailty with a medium social isolation score compared to low (HR = 1.010, 95% CI 1.010, 1.197) and a 30% greater relative risk with high social isolation score compared to low (HR = 1.267; 95% CI 1.154, 1.390). Conclusions Our research indicates both loneliness and social isolation increase risk of developing frailty, expanding on previous evidence. This provides further support to the importance of understanding approaches to promote social inclusion of older adults.

scholarly journals Internet use, social isolation and loneliness in older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Stephanie Stockwell ◽  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
Sarah E. Jackson ◽  
Abi Fisher ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore associations between internet/email use in a large sample of older English adults with their social isolation and loneliness. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Wave 8 were used, with complete data available for 4,492 men and women aged ⩾ 50 years (mean age = 64.3, standard deviation = 13.3; 51.7% males). Binomial logistic regression was used to analyse cross-sectional associations between internet/email use and social isolation and loneliness. The majority of older adults reported using the internet/email every day (69.3%), fewer participants reported once a week (8.5%), once a month (2.6%), once every three months (0.7%), less than every three months (1.5%) and never (17.4%). No significant associations were found between internet/email use and loneliness, however, non-linear associations were found for social isolation. Older adults using the internet/email either once a week (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.72) or once a month (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45–0.80) were significantly less likely to be socially isolated than every day users; those using internet/email less than once every three months were significantly more likely to be socially isolated than every day users (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.28–6.40). Once every three months and never users showed no difference in social isolation compared with every day users. Weak associations were found between different online activities and loneliness, and strong associations were found with social isolation. The study updated knowledge of older adults’ internet/email habits, devices used and activities engaged in online. Findings may be important for the design of digital behaviour change interventions in older adults, particularly in groups at risk of or interventions targeting loneliness and/or social isolation.

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