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19 - Social Relationships and Cognitive Development in Adulthood

from Part III - Aging in a Socioemotional Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2020

By
Karen L. Fingerman ,
Meng Huo ,
Yee To Ng  and
Steven H. Zarit
Edited by
Ayanna K. Thomas  and
Angela Gutchess
Ayanna K. Thomas
Affiliation:
Tufts University, Massachusetts
Angela Gutchess
Affiliation:
Brandeis University, Massachusetts
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Summary

Healthy older adults typically retain high functioning in the social realm. Nevertheless, social networks, social support, and qualities of relationships vary in late life. This chapter addresses three questions: (1) What areas of cognitive functioning are associated with the social realm? (2) What mechanisms account for these associations? (3) Do these patterns extend to pathological declines associated with dementia? Individuals with a diversity of social partners retain general cognitive functioning more so than individuals with a limited set of social partners. Social integration provides stimulation and activities, and mitigates negative emotion in ways that contribute to cognitive health. Findings suggest that social ties cannot deter pathological declines associated with dementia. In sum, a wide range of social partners appears to be one of multiple resources (e.g., higher socioeconomic status, better locus of control, better health behaviors) that help maintain cognitive functioning in late life.

Keywords

social integrationsocial networkssocial relationshipspersonal relationshipslonelinesssocial isolationdementiaAlzheimer’s disease
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Cognitive Aging
A Life Course Perspective
 , pp. 350 - 366
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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