Mediators of the relationship between social activities and cognitive function among older Irish adults: results from the Irish longitudinal study on ageing

ABSTRACT

Objective: Evidence points to an association between social and leisure activity (SLA) engagement and cognitive outcomes, but the mechanisms underlying this link remain unknown. We aimed to investigate three potential mechanisms: Vascular function, Perceived Stress, and Cognitive Reserve.

Methods: With data from 8163 adults aged over 50 in the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we used a structural equation model to evaluate Vascular Function and Perceived Stress as potential mediators, and Cognitive Reserve as a potential antecedent in the relationship between SLA at baseline (2009), and cognitive outcomes collected at a two-year follow-up point (2011).

Results: Cognitive Reserve was strongly associated both with cognitive outcomes (β = 0.306; p < 0.001) and with SLA (β = 0.694; p < 0.001). Perceived stress (β = 0.018) acted as a significant mediator in the relationships between SLA and cognitive outcomes (p < 0.001), although Vascular Function did not (β = 0.000).

Conclusion: These results indicate that SLA may protect cognitive function partly because of its association with cognitive reserve, and partly through its impact on perceived stress. Results have policy implications for those interested in facilitating SLA to protect cognitive outcomes among older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Cognitive functioning
• social support
• epidemiology (mental health)
• stress

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the funders of the primary author, the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland, as well as the funders of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing – the Department of Health and Children, Republic of Ireland, Atlantic Philanthropies, and Irish Life. The authors also thank the delegates at the European Congress of Epidemiology, who gave instructive comments following a presentation of related results in June 2015.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was conducted during a leadership in Ageing Research Fellowship received by the lead author from the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland. The TILDA study was funded originally by Irish Life, Atlantic Philanthropies, and The Government of Ireland's Department of Health.