Older adults with depression had stronger verbal functions when they received more social support, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
In a cross-sectional study of 54 older adults who met the criteria for major depression, those who received higher perceived social supports scored better on a measurement of phonemic fluency or speech.
Researchers said clinical and neuroimaging studies suggest phonemic fluency places greater demands on an individual’s executive processes, which are associated with the processing of information in the brain. Results indicate that perceived social isolation may be selectively associated with executive processes that “support initiation and persistence of behavior, underscoring the important role of social support in this population,” researchers wrote.
Older adults with poorer cognitive performance might be less likely to feel supported by others and could benefit from interventions that increase social engagement. The research team said more than half of older adults with major depression experience some type of cognitive difficulties. A lack of perceived social support has been strongly associated with depression severity and persistence.
The Alzheimer’s Association said depression is common among people with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, with an estimated 40% of patients suffering from significant depression.
