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. 2008 Jul;98(7):1215-20.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.113654. Epub 2008 May 29.

Effects of social integration on preserving memory function in a nationally representative US elderly population

Karen A Ertel  1 , M Maria Glymour, Lisa F Berkman
Affiliations

Effects of social integration on preserving memory function in a nationally representative US elderly population

Karen A Ertel et al. Am J Public Health. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

Objectives: We tested whether social integration protects against memory loss and other cognitive disorders in late life in a nationally representative US sample of elderly adults, whether effects were stronger among disadvantaged individuals, and whether earlier cognitive losses explained the association (reverse causation).

Methods: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 16,638), we examined whether social integration predicted memory change over 6 years. Memory was measured by immediate and delayed recall of a 10-word list. Social integration was assessed by marital status, volunteer activity, and frequency of contact with children, parents, and neighbors. We examined growth-curve models for the whole sample and within subgroups.

Results: The mean memory score declined from 11.0 in 1998 to 10.0 in 2004. Higher baseline social integration predicted slower memory decline in fully adjusted models (P<.01). Memory among the least integrated declined at twice the rate as among the most integrated. This association was largest for respondents with fewer than 12 years of education. There was no evidence of reverse causation.

Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that social integration delays memory loss among elderly Americans. Future research should focus on identifying the specific aspects of social integration most important for preserving memory.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Flexible growth-curve models showing predicted change in memory scores across 6 years of follow-up, by level of social integration at baseline: Health and Retirement Study, United States, 1998–2004 Note. Models adjusted for age at baseline; age squared; sex; wealth; income; race; education; Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; health conditions; mobility; large muscle index; activities of daily living; instrumental activities of daily living; time indicator variables for 2000,2002, and 2004; and interaction terms between each time variable and level of social integration.
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