Social Disconnection and Cognitive Decline in Black Americans
Author Information
Author(s): Nguyen Ann, Qin Weidi, Taylor Harry
Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Hypothesis
Does loneliness and social isolation predict cognitive decline among Black Americans, and how do neighborhood characteristics influence this relationship?
Conclusion
The study found that higher loneliness scores predicted a decline in cognitive status among older Black adults, particularly in neighborhoods with low physical disadvantage.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher loneliness scores were predictive of membership in the low and declining cognitive status trajectory.
- There were four distinct cognitive status trajectories identified in the study.
- The association between loneliness and cognitive decline was weaker in neighborhoods with high physical disadvantage.
Takeaway
This study shows that feeling lonely can make older Black adults' thinking skills worse, especially if they live in neighborhoods that aren't very nice.
Methodology
The study used group-based trajectory analysis to assess cognitive status trajectories and their predictors among Black participants aged 51 and older.
Participant Demographics
Black participants aged 51 and older.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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