However, few longitudinal studies of this relation have been done. Cognitive function was assessed with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Response to the questionnaire was scored as high, medium, or low. Cognitive decline was defined as a transition to a lower category. Compared with persons who had five or six social ties, those who had no social ties were at increased risk for incident cognitive decline after adjustment for age, initial cognitive performance, sex, ethnicity, education, income, housing type, physical disability, cardiovascular profile, sensory impairment, symptoms of depression, smoking, alcohol use, and level of physical activity.
Social disengagement is a risk factor for cognitive impairment among elderly persons.
Ann Intern Med. Author and Article Information From Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.