Poster Session 09 Program Schedule
02/16/2024
03:30 pm - 04:45 pm
Room: Majestic Complex (Posters 61-120)
Poster Session 09: Epilepsy | Oncology | MS | Infectious Disease
Final Abstract #109
Social Network Size as a Predictor of Cognitive Change during COVID-19
Holly Timblin, University of Maine, Orono, United States
Taylor Maynard, University of Maine, Orono, United States
Morgan Tallman, University of Maine, Orono, United States
Madison Landry, University of Maine, Orono, United States
Rebecca MacAulay, University of Maine, Orono, United States
Category: Aging
Keyword 1: social processes
Keyword 2: cognitive functioning
Objective:
Social engagement is beneficial for physical and psychological well-being; however, the size of our social network decreases as we age. The rate of social isolation among older adults has worsened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although social engagement is a recognized protective factor against cognitive impairment, limited information is available regarding the longitudinal effect of social network size on cognitive functioning. The present study investigated cognitive change as moderated by social network size at different levels.
Participants and Methods:
Seventy-seven participants (MAge = 70.82) completed neuropsychological testing before and after the onset of the pandemic and reported the size of their social network using a Hierarchical Mapping Technique prior to the pandemic. The COVID-19 impact survey asked participants to what degree they felt socially isolated due to the pandemic. MEMORE analyses were conducted to determine whether the size of social networks moderated cognitive change before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results:
Preliminary analyses revealed that social network size did not significantly moderate cognitive change on verbal memory or language measures. Additional analyses suggested that there was a negative relationship between age and perceived isolation due to COVID-19.
Conclusions:
Age may be an important protective factor for perceived isolation. Despite previous studies finding beneficial cognitive outcomes for individuals with greater social network size, we did not observe the expected buffer effect of social network size on cognitive change due to limited access to social networks. Additional research is warranted to uncover protective factors that influence cognitive change and social networks.
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