Associations Between Longitudinal Loneliness, DNA Methylation Age Acceleration, and Cognitive Functioning
2024
Loneliness and Cognitive Functioning
Sample size: 1814
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Lynch Morgan, Beam Christopher, Arpawong Thalida Em
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Loneliness may influence aging biomarkers related to cognitive functioning through accelerated DNA methylation.
Conclusion
The study suggests that DNA methylation age acceleration, particularly GrimAge, helps explain the link between loneliness and poorer cognitive functioning.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher baseline loneliness predicted poorer cognitive ability and memory scores.
- GrimAge mediated the effect of loneliness on overall cognitive ability and memory.
- Self-rated health, depressive symptoms, social isolation, and body mass index significantly contributed to the effects.
Takeaway
Feeling lonely can make your brain age faster, which can lead to worse memory and thinking skills.
Methodology
The study analyzed the effects of loneliness on cognitive abilities using six measures of DNA methylation age acceleration.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from the Health and Retirement Study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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