Chronic stress and social support affect how cognitive abilities change with age

The study, published recently in Alzheimer's & Dementia, followed 3,873 adults age 50 and older enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities, or HABS-HD. Researchers examined whether participants' reported levels of ongoing stress and social support systems at the beginning of the study were associated with changes over time in attention, memory, language and executive function, which includes skills used to plan, organize and solve problems. 

Michelle M. Mielke, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology and prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and corresponding author of the studyOur findings suggest that chronic stress and social support may be important factors to consider when we think about healthy brain aging. Findings also show that the relationship between stress and cognitive change may not be the same for everyone, but there is encouraging evidence about the benefits of social support from family, friends and our communities for all." 

"Social connections and stress are parts of everyday life that may be possible to change," Mielke said. "Future research can help determine whether programs that reduce chronic stress or strengthen meaningful support networks can help preserve cognitive function as people age." 

Source:

Wake Forest University School of Medicine

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