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Li M, Yan Y, Jia H, Gao Y, Qiu J, Yang W. Neural basis underlying the association between thought control ability and happiness: The moderating role of the amygdala. Psych J 2024; 13:625-638. [PMID: 38450574 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Thought control ability (TCA) plays an important role in individuals' health and happiness. Previous studies demonstrated that TCA was closely conceptually associated with happiness. However, empirical research supporting this relationship was limited. In addition, the neural basis underlying TCA and how this neural basis influences the relationship between TCA and happiness remain unexplored. In the present study, the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) method was adopted to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of TCA in 314 healthy subjects. The behavioral results revealed a significant positive association between TCA and happiness. On the neural level, there was a significant negative correlation between TCA and the gray matter density (GMD) of the bilateral amygdala. Split-half validation analysis revealed similar results, further confirming the stability of the VBM analysis findings. Furthermore, gray matter covariance network and graph theoretical analyses showed positive association between TCA and both the node degree and node strength of the amygdala. Moderation analysis revealed that the GMD of the amygdala moderated the relationship between TCA and happiness. Specifically, the positive association between TCA and self-perceived happiness was stronger in subjects with a lower GMD of the amygdala. The present study indicated the neural basis underlying the association between TCA and happiness and offered a method of improving individual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuchi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yixin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
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Lu H, Song Y, Wang X, Liu J. The neural correlates of perceived social support and its relationship to psychological well-being. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1295668. [PMID: 38259632 PMCID: PMC10800560 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1295668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Perceived social support is considered to play a significant role in promoting individuals' health and well-being, and yet the neural correlates of perceived social support were not fully understood. An exploration of the neural correlates of individual differences in the SPS can help us to gain more comprehensive understanding about the neural correlates of perceived social support. What's more, our study will explore the relationship among perceived social support, brain regions, and psychological well-being, which may provide new insights into the neural correlates underlying the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Methods Herein, we used the Social Provisions Scale to assess individuals' perceived social support, and magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the gray matter (GM) volume of the whole brain. What's more, we also measured psychological well-being using the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and mediation analysis was used to explore the relationship among perceived social support, brain regions, and psychological well-being. Results The voxel-based morphometry analysis of the whole brain revealed that perceived social support was positively correlated with GM volume of the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG). The finding indicated that a person with greater GM volume in the left MTG perceived more social support. More importantly, the left MTG GM volume observed above was also associated with psychological well-being, and the link between the two was mediated by perceived social support. Discussion These results revealed the importance of MTG for perceived social support and psychological well-being, and also suggested that perceived social support might explain the relationship between MTG and psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhua Lu
- School of Marxism, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiying Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence, Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Lu H, Li X, Wang Y, Song Y, Liu J. Hippocampus links perceived social support with self-esteem. Soc Neurosci 2023; 18:132-141. [PMID: 37200111 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2023.2216471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Self-esteem is an important psychological resource with adaptive values, and numerous investigations have revealed that self-esteem is influenced by perceived social support. However, the potential neural basis linking perceived social support with self-esteem remains unclear. Therefore, we used voxel-based morphometry to explore whether the hippocampus and amygdala function as the neuroanatomical basis linking perceived social support with self-esteem in a cohort of 243 young healthy adults (128 women; mean age 22.64 years, standard deviation 1.01 years). The Social Provisions Scale and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale were used for the survey. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the gray matter volume of the hippocampus and amygdala. Correlation analysis revealed that those who perceived more social support had higher self-esteem. Notably, mediation analysis showed that hippocampal gray matter volume linked perceived social support with self-esteem. Our study suggests that the hippocampus plays a primary, but not exclusive, role in linking perceived social support with self-esteem, which provides a novel explanation for how perceived social support affects self-esteem from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhua Lu
- School of Marxism, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China
| | - Xueting Li
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiying Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Psychology & Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Sharma R, Dillon K, Williams SEE, McIntosh R. Does emotion regulation network mediate the effect of social network on psychological distress among older adults? Soc Neurosci 2023; 18:142-154. [PMID: 37267049 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2023.2218619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Socio-emotional interactions are integral for regulating emotions and buffering psychological distress. Social neuroscience perspectives on aging suggest that empathetic interpersonal interactions are supported by the activation of brain regions involved in regulating negative affect. The current study tested whether resting state functional connectivity of a network of brain regions activated during cognitive emotion regulation, i.e., emotion regulation network (ERN), statistically mediates the frequency of social contact with friends or family on psychological distress. Here, a 10-min resting-state functional MRI scan was collected along with self-reported anxiety/depressive, somatic, and thought problems and social networking from 90 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65-85 years). The frequency of social interactions with family, but not friends and neighbors, was associated with lower psychological distress. The magnitude of this effect was reduced by 33.34% to non-significant upon adding resting state ERN connectivity as a mediator. Follow-up whole-brain graph network analyses revealed that efficiency and centrality of the left inferior frontal gyrus and the right middle temporal gyrus relate to greater family interactions and lower distress. These hubs may help to buffer psychological problems in older adults through interactions involving empathetic and cognitive emotion regulation with close family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaitlyn Dillon
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Roger McIntosh
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Lammer L, Beyer F, Luppa M, Sanders C, Baber R, Engel C, Wirkner K, Loffler M, Riedel-Heller SG, Villringer A, Witte AV. Impact of social isolation on grey matter structure and cognitive functions: A population-based longitudinal neuroimaging study. eLife 2023; 12:e83660. [PMID: 37337666 PMCID: PMC10281670 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social isolation has been suggested to increase the risk to develop cognitive decline. However, our knowledge on causality and neurobiological underpinnings is still limited. Methods In this preregistered analysis, we tested the impact of social isolation on central features of brain and cognitive ageing using a longitudinal population-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. We assayed 1992 cognitively healthy participants (50-82years old, 921women) at baseline and 1409 participants after~6y follow-up. Results We found baseline social isolation and change in social isolation to be associated with smaller volumes of the hippocampus and clusters of reduced cortical thickness. Furthermore, poorer cognitive functions (memory, processing speed, executive functions) were linked to greater social isolation, too. Conclusions Combining advanced neuroimaging outcomes with prevalent lifestyle characteristics from a well-characterized population of middle- to older aged adults, we provide evidence that social isolation contributes to human brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Within-subject effects of social isolation were similar to between-subject effects, indicating an opportunity to reduce dementia risk by promoting social networks. Funding European Union, European Regional Development Fund, Free State of Saxony, LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, German Research Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurenz Lammer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
| | - Frauke Beyer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical CenterLeipzigGermany
- CRC Obesity Mechanisms, Subproject A1, University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Melanie Luppa
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Faculty of MedicineLeipzigGermany
| | - Christian Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical CentreLeipzigGermany
- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Ronny Baber
- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Kerstin Wirkner
- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology (IMISE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Markus Loffler
- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology (IMISE), University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Faculty of MedicineLeipzigGermany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical CenterLeipzigGermany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt University of BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - A Veronica Witte
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical CenterLeipzigGermany
- CRC Obesity Mechanisms, Subproject A1, University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
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Zhuo B, Zheng D, Cai M, Wang C, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Tian F, Wang X, Lin H. Mediation Effect of Brain Volume on the Relationship Between Peripheral Inflammation and Cognitive Decline. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:523-533. [PMID: 37545239 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported the associations between inflammation, brain volume, and cognition separately. It is reasonable to assume peripheral inflammation may contribute to cognitive decline through brain volume atrophy. OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between peripheral inflammation, brain volume, and cognition among adults, and to investigate whether brain volume atrophy mediates the inflammation-cognition relationshipMethods:We retrieved 20,381 participants with available data on peripheral inflammation, brain volume, and cognition from the UK Biobank cohort. Cognitive function was assessed by performance on cognitive tasks probing various cognitive domains. Brain volumes were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multivariable linear models were used to investigate the associations between three peripheral inflammatory indexes (C-reactive protein, systemic immune-inflammatory index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), brain volume, and cognition. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the potential mediating effect of brain volume atrophy. All results were corrected for multiple comparisons using the false-discovery rate (FDR). RESULTS Peripheral inflammation was inversely associated with grey matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), and cognition after adjusting for potential covariates. For instance, CRP was associated with the GMV of left parahippocampal gyrus (β= -0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.06 to -0.04, pFDR =1.07×10-16) and general cognitive factor (β= -0.03, 95% CI: -0. -0.04 to -0.01, pFDR = 0.001). Brain volume atrophy mediated the inflammation-cognitive decline relationship, accounting for 15-29% of the overall impact. CONCLUSION In this cohort study, peripheral inflammation was associated with brain volume atrophy and cognitive decline. Brain atrophy may mediate the inflammation-cognitive decline relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingting Zhuo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dashan Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Miao Cai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Tian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hualiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Galvez-Sánchez CM, Reyes del Paso GA, Montoro CI. Revealing the Role of Social Support on Cognitive Deficits in Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:3852746. [PMID: 36091221 PMCID: PMC9458397 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3852746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevance of cognitive deficits in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and the attempts to elucidate the influence of the disorder symptoms in the cognitive decline reported by patients, no studies have explored the specific role of social support on cognition in FMS. Social support has been shown to be an essential modulator factor on cognitive performance in other diseases. Sixty-four women with FMS and 32 healthy women participated in the study and completed questionnaires pertaining to anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, clinical pain, and social support, along with a neuropsychological battery assessing verbal memory, organization, strategic and planning abilities, self-regulation, processing speed, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Results showed that FMS patients exhibited lower values in all social support dimensions in comparison with healthy individuals, especially in the socializing dimension. Despite the lower social support observed in FMS, all social support dimensions showed a positive impact on verbal memory, organization and planning abilities, strategic planning, self-regulation, processing speed, attention, and cognitive flexibility in these patients. In fact, social support was associated with greater correct responses and processing speed and minor number of errors in all the neuropsychological battery tests. Socializing was the main predictor of organization and planning abilities, strategic planning, and self-regulation. In sum, results suggest that social support may be a key factor in buffering the cognitive decline observed in FMS. Designing psychoeducation programs and intervention programs directed not only to FMS patients but also relatives, health care workers, and the general population might be essential to improve the social support of FMS patients and positively impact on patient's cognitive status.
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Perry BL, Roth AR, Peng S, Risacher SL, Saykin AJ, Apostolova LG. Social Networks and Cognitive Reserve: Network Structure Moderates the Association Between Amygdalar Volume and Cognitive Outcomes. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:1490-1500. [PMID: 34655218 PMCID: PMC9371450 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cognitive reserve hypothesis has been proposed as a key mechanism explaining the link between social networks and cognitive function but has rarely been empirically tested using neuroimaging data. This study examines whether social network attributes moderate the association between amygdalar volume and cognitive function. METHODS Data were from the Social Networks in Alzheimer Disease study (N = 154) and Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Social networks were measured using the PhenX Social Network Battery. Regional data from magnetic resonance imaging (amygdalar volume [AV]) were analyzed using FreeSurfer software. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and consensus diagnosis. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the moderating role of social networks on the association between AV and cognitive function. RESULTS Participants with greater ability to span multiple social roles and subgroups within their networks scored higher on the MoCA after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, depression, frequency of contact, and AV. Social networks moderated the association between AV and cognitive function. DISCUSSION Among participants who engaged in diverse and loosely connected social networks, the expected adverse cognitive effects of brain volume in regions implicated in socioemotional processing were attenuated. These findings suggest that cognitive stimulation achieved through social interaction with a diverse array of social relationships across multiple contexts may help promote cognitive reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brea L Perry
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Adam R Roth
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Siyun Peng
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Shannon L Risacher
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Liana G Apostolova
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Oh DJ, Yang HW, Kim TH, Kwak KP, Kim BJ, Kim SG, Kim JL, Moon SW, Park JH, Ryu SH, Youn JC, Lee DY, Lee DW, Lee SB, Lee JJ, Jhoo JH, Bae JB, Han JW, Kim KW. Association of Low Emotional and Tangible Support With Risk of Dementia Among Adults 60 Years and Older in South Korea. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2226260. [PMID: 35951325 PMCID: PMC9372780 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The association between social support and dementia risk has been debated. Most previous prospective studies have not differentiated the subtypes of social support. OBJECTIVE To examine whether the association between social support and risk of dementia differs by subtype of social support and by sex. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This nationwide prospective cohort study included randomly sampled South Korean adults 60 years or older. The study was launched November 1, 2010, with follow-up every 2 years until November 30, 2020. The 5852 participants who completed the assessment for social support and were not diagnosed as having dementia, severe psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, or major neurological disorders at the baseline assessment were included in the analysis. EXPOSURES Geriatric psychiatrists administered the structured diagnostic interviews and physical examinations to every participant based on the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer Disease (CERAD-K) Assessment Packet Clinical Assessment Battery. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Baseline levels of emotional and tangible support using the Medical Outcomes Survey Social Support Survey. RESULTS Among the 5852 participants (mean [SD] age, 69.8 [6.6] years; 3315 women [56.6%]; mean [SD] follow-up duration, 5.9 [2.4] years), 237 (4.0%) had incident all-cause dementia and 160 (2.7%) had incident Alzheimer disease (AD) subtype of dementia. Compared with women who reported having emotional support, those with low emotional support had almost a 2-fold higher incidence of all-cause dementia (18.4 [95% CI, 13.6-23.2] vs 10.7 [95% CI, 9.0-12.5] per 1000 person-years) and AD (14.4 [95% CI, 10.2-18.6] vs 7.8 [95% CI, 6.3-9.3] per 1000 person-years). Adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that low emotional support was associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia (hazard ratio, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.10-2.36]; P = .02) and AD (hazard ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.07-2.57]; P = .02) only in women. Low tangible support was not associated with a risk of all-cause dementia or AD regardless of sex. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cohort study suggest that older women with low emotional support constitute a population at risk for dementia. The level of emotional support should be included in risk assessments of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Jong Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, SMG-SNU (Seoul National University) Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Won Yang
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggido, South Korea
| | - Tae Hui Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Kyung Phil Kwak
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - Bong Jo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Shin Gyeom Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Jeong Lan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seok Woo Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Konkuk University Chungju Hospital, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Joon Hyuk Park
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Ryu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Chul Youn
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kyunggi Provincial Hospital for the Elderly, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Dong Young Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Woo Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok Bum Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Jin Hyeong Jhoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Jong Bin Bae
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggido, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggido, South Korea
| | - Ki Woong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggido, South Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
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Felix N, Ayers E, Verghese J, Blumen HM. Increased Social Support Reduces the Incidence of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igac048. [PMID: 36081405 PMCID: PMC9447853 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
The motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a predementia syndrome characterized by slow gait and cognitive complaint. The relationship between MCR and social support—a potentially modifiable risk factor of dementia—is currently unknown. The current study aimed to determine whether MCR incidence varies as a function of social support in aging.
Research Design and Methods
We examined MCR incidence in 506 community-dwelling older adults (M Age 76.59; 57.3% female) without MCR or dementia at baseline. We quantified perceived levels of social support with the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, incorporating four different categories of support: (a) emotional/informational support, (b) tangible support, (c) affectionate support, and (d) positive social interactions. We used Cox regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, comorbidities, and global cognition, to estimate hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
Over a median follow-up time of 2.5 years (range = 1–7 years), 38 participants (9.8%) developed MCR. Increased tangible support decreased the risk of MCR by 30% (aHR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.92, p = .011). Increased overall social support decreased the risk of MCR by 33% (aHR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.98, p = .038). Other subcategories of social support were not associated with a decreased risk of MCR (p > .05).
Discussion and Implications
Higher levels of tangible social support, as well as overall social support, were associated with reduced risk for MCR in older adults. Increasing social support may be a promising avenue of intervention for reducing the risk of MCR, dementia, and other forms of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Felix
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York , USA
| | - Emmeline Ayers
- Departments of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York , USA
| | - Joe Verghese
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York , USA
- Departments of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York , USA
| | - Helena M Blumen
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York , USA
- Departments of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York , USA
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Bygrave DC, Gerassimakis CS, Mwendwa DT, Erus G, Davatzikos C, Wright RS. The Role of Race in Relations of Social Support to Hippocampal Volumes Among Older Adults. Res Aging 2021; 44:205-214. [PMID: 33977830 DOI: 10.1177/01640275211017268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests social support may buffer brain pathology. However, neither its association with hippocampal volume, a marker of Alzheimer's disease risk, nor the role of race in this association has been fully investigated. Multiple regression analyses examined relations of total social support to magnetic resonance imaging-assessed gray matter (GM) hippocampal volumes in the total sample (n = 165; mean age = 68.48 year), and in race-stratified models of African American and White older adults, adjusting for select covariates. Results showed greater social support was associated with greater GM hippocampal volumes among African American older adults only (p < .01). Our findings suggest greater total social support may play a role in supporting the hippocampus, particularly among African American older adults, who had lower hippocampal volumes than their White counterparts. Further research is needed to test these questions longitudinally and examine which aspects of social support may promote hippocampal integrity, specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée C Bygrave
- Department of Criminal Justice Administration and Social Sciences, Benedict College, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Denée T Mwendwa
- Department of Psychology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Guray Erus
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Casey ANS, Liu Z, Kochan NA, Sachdev PS, Brodaty H. Cross-Lagged Modeling of Cognition and Social Network Size in the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 76:1716-1725. [DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This study assessed whether reciprocal relationships exist between cognitive function and the social network size of older adults, controlling for age, sex, education, medical conditions, and depressive symptoms.
Methods
Data were collected at biennial follow-ups over 6 years in the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, a longitudinal cohort study including 1,037 community-based Sydney residents aged 70–90 years without dementia at baseline. We used random intercept cross-lagged panel models to investigate reciprocal associations between social network size and scores in each of 7 cognitive domains including a global score.
Results
Standardized models indicated that within-person deviation in expected language score predicted deviation in expected network size. Within-person deviation in prior expected social network size predicted deviation in expected executive function at year 6. Cross-lagged effects in models of both global cognition and memory, respectively, could not be attributed solely to within-person change.
Discussion
Findings support a co-constitutive view of cognitive function and social relationships in older age. Although both cognition and network size declined over time, slower than expected decline in language ability predicted less than expected contraction in social networks. A similar influence of network size on executive functioning indicated that relationships with friends and family outside of the home contributed significantly to the maintenance of higher order cognitive abilities in older late life. Diverse patterns of influence between cognitive domains and social network size over 6 years underscore the importance of assessing the complex and nuanced interplay between brain health and social relationships in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Nicole S Casey
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Nicole A Kochan
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute (NPI), Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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Felix C, Rosano C, Zhu X, Flatt JD, Rosso AL. Greater Social Engagement and Greater Gray Matter Microstructural Integrity in Brain Regions Relevant to Dementia. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 76:1027-1035. [PMID: 33219690 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social engagement (SE) may protect against cognitive decline in older adults. We estimate associations of SE with gray matter (GM) microstructure in regions of interest (ROI) relevant to social cognition, among community-dwelling older adults. METHOD Cross-sectional analysis of 293 Health ABC study participants who underwent 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor and free from cognitive impairment was conducted. Linear regression models tested associations between SE index (marital status, not living alone, social activities, work, and volunteering) and mean diffusivity (MD) of GM ROIs, adjusted for age, race, gender, and education. Hearing and activities of daily living (ADL) difficulties were tested as confounders. Effect modification by gender was tested with interaction terms and stratification by gender. RESULTS Higher SE was significantly related to lower MD (greater GM microstructural integrity) (shown as standardized estimate [p-value]) in left middle frontal gyrus-orbital part: -.168 (.005), left caudate nucleus: -.141 (.02), left temporal pole-middle temporal gyrus: -.136 (.03), right middle frontal gyrus: -.160 (.006), right superior frontal gyrus-orbital part: -.187 (.002), and right middle frontal gyrus-orbital part: -.124 (.04), when adjusted for demographic attributes. Associations were robust to adjustments for hearing or ADL difficulty. There was significant effect modification by gender for some ROIs, with associations only for females. DISCUSSION SE is related to greater microstructural integrity of specific GM regions relevant to social cognition, that have described roles in dementia. SE may therefore be a useful preventive mechanism against loss of GM integrity in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Felix
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Caterina Rosano
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaonan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason D Flatt
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas
| | - Andrea L Rosso
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Acevedo BP, Poulin MJ, Collins NL, Brown LL. After the Honeymoon: Neural and Genetic Correlates of Romantic Love in Newlywed Marriages. Front Psychol 2020; 11:634. [PMID: 32457675 PMCID: PMC7223160 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In Western culture, romantic love is commonly a basis for marriage. Although it is associated with relationship satisfaction, stability, and individual well-being, many couples experience declines in romantic love. In newlyweds, specifically, changes in love predict marital outcomes. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the critical transition to marriage are unknown. Thus, for the first time, we explored the neural and genetic correlates of romantic love in newlyweds. Nineteen first-time newlyweds were scanned (with functional MRI) while viewing face images of the partner versus a familiar acquaintance, around the time of the wedding (T1) and 1 year after (T2). They also provided saliva samples for genetic analysis (AVPR1a rs3, OXTR rs53576, COMT rs4680, and DRD4-7R), and completed self-report measures of relationship quality including the Eros (romantic love) scale. We hypothesized that romantic love is a developed form of the mammalian drive to find, and keep, preferred mates; and that its maintenance is orchestrated by the brain's reward system. Results showed that, at both time points, romantic love maintenance (Eros difference score: T2-T1) was associated with activation of the dopamine-rich substantia nigra in response to face images of the partner. Interactions with vasopressin, oxytocin, and dopamine genes implicated in pair-bonding (AVPR1a rs3, OXTR rs53576, COMT rs4680, and DRD4-7R) also conferred strong activation in the dopamine-rich ventral tegmental area at both time points. Consistent with work highlighting the role of sexual intimacy in relationships, romantic love maintenance showed correlations in the paracentral lobule (genital region) and cortical areas involved in sensory and cognitive processing (occipital, angular gyrus, insular cortex). These findings suggest that romantic love, and its maintenance, are orchestrated by dopamine-, vasopressin- and oxytocin-rich brain regions, as seen in humans and other monogamous animals. We also provide genetic evidence of polymorphisms associated with oxytocin, vasopressin and dopamine function that affect the propensity to sustain romantic love in early stage marriages. We conclude that romantic love maintenance is part of a broad mammalian strategy for reproduction and long-term attachment that is influenced by basic reward circuitry, complex cognitive processes, and genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca P. Acevedo
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Michael J. Poulin
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Nancy L. Collins
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Lucy L. Brown
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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