Amanda N Leggett1, HwaJung Choi2, William J Chopik3, Hui Liu4, Richard Gonzalez5. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan. 2. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research. 3. Department of Psychology, Michigan State University. 4. Department of Sociology, Michigan State University. 5. Department of Psychology and Statistics, University of Michigan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Loneliness is common in dementia caregivers as cognitive impairment (CI) alters marital and social relationships. Unexplored is how an individual's loneliness is affected at earlier, more ambiguous, periods of their spouse's CI. METHODS: Using the Health and Retirement Study, our study participants included 2,206 coupled individuals with normal cognitive function at the 2006/8 baseline. Loneliness outcomes at baseline, 4-year and 8-year follow-up are assessed by the status of transition to cognitive impairment no dementia (TCIND) (2010/12 & 2014/16) using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Individual's loneliness was stable when their spouse's cognition remained normal, but increased with the spouse's TCIND. The increase in loneliness did not vary by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness, a key risk factor for reduced life quality and increased depression, increases even at early stages of a partner's CIND. This work suggests the potential impact of early intervention and social support for partners of individuals with CIND.
BACKGROUND: Loneliness is common in dementia caregivers as cognitive impairment (CI) alters marital and social relationships. Unexplored is how an individual's loneliness is affected at earlier, more ambiguous, periods of their spouse's CI. METHODS: Using the Health and Retirement Study, our study participants included 2,206 coupled individuals with normal cognitive function at the 2006/8 baseline. Loneliness outcomes at baseline, 4-year and 8-year follow-up are assessed by the status of transition to cognitive impairment no dementia (TCIND) (2010/12 & 2014/16) using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Individual's loneliness was stable when their spouse's cognition remained normal, but increased with the spouse's TCIND. The increase in loneliness did not vary by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness, a key risk factor for reduced life quality and increased depression, increases even at early stages of a partner's CIND. This work suggests the potential impact of early intervention and social support for partners of individuals with CIND.
Authors: HwaJung Choi; Robert F Schoeni; Linda G Martin; Kenneth M Langa Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2018-04-16 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Franziska Förster; Alexander Pabst; Janine Stein; Susanne Röhr; Margrit Löbner; Kathrin Heser; Lisa Miebach; Anne Stark; André Hajek; Birgitt Wiese; Wolfgang Maier; Matthias C Angermeyer; Martin Scherer; Michael Wagner; Hans-Helmut König; Steffi G Riedel-Heller Journal: J Affect Disord Date: 2019-07-01 Impact factor: 4.839
Authors: Ji Hyun Lee; Martina Luchetti; Damaris Aschwanden; Amanda A Sesker; Jason E Strickhouser; Antonio Terracciano; Angelina R Sutin Journal: J Aging Health Date: 2021-05-22