Loneliness mediates the relationships between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognition in middle-aged and older adults.

TitleLoneliness mediates the relationships between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognition in middle-aged and older adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsYu, X, Yang, J, Yin, Z, Jiang, W, Zhang, D
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume36
Issue12
Pagination1858-1866
ISSN Number1099-1166
KeywordsCognition, Loneliness, mediating effect, Perceived neighborhood characteristics
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine whether loneliness mediates these associations between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognition among middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS: Data from wave 10 (2010-2012) to wave 13 (2016-2017) of the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed. Perceived neighborhood characteristics were self-reported. Loneliness was measured by Revised University of California Los Angeles (R-UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Cognition was evaluated by the modified version of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Baron and Kenny's causal steps and multiple linear regression models based on Karlson/Holm/Breen (KHB) method were used to examine the mediating effect.

RESULTS: At baseline, 15,142 participants had no cognitive impairment, and 11,413 individuals were finally included in our analysis after 6-year follow-up. Multiple linear regression models suggested that lower perceived neighborhood physical disorder (β = 0.073, p = 0.033) and greater perceived neighborhood safety (β = 0.350, p = 0.009) were associated with better cognition. KHB test identified the significant mediating effect of loneliness on the relationships between perceived neighborhood physical disorder (β = 0.011, p = 0.016) and perceived neighborhood safety (β = 0.023, p = 0.026) and cognition.

CONCLUSIONS: Perceived neighborhood characteristics are associated with cognition among middle-aged and older American adults. Loneliness mediated associations between perceived neighborhood physical disorder and perceived neighborhood safety and cognition.

DOI10.1002/gps.5595
Citation Key11735
PubMed ID34214209
Grant ListU01 AG09740 / / Health and Retirement Study /