What question did this study set out to answer?

May 7, 2026Journal of Aging and Health0 citations

Social Connectedness and Cognitive Function in Later Life: GrimAge as an Epigenetic Mediating Pathway

LSLayla Katharine SantanaUniversity of South Florida SPSiyun PengUniversity of South Florida HMHongdao MENGUniversity of South Florida

Key Points

To investigate the relationship between social connectedness and cognitive function in later life, with a focus on epigenetic mediation.
Modeled social connectedness as a latent factor using participation, isolation, and loneliness.
Assessed four DNA methylation clocks in 2016 and cognitive function in 2018.
Employed survey-weighted regression-with-residuals mediation models adjusted for various socio-demographics.
Lower social connectedness predicted poorer cognitive function in 2018.
DNAmGrimAge provided specific evidence for mediation, accounting for approximately 16%.
Indirect effects via other DNA methylation clocks were not supported.

Abstract

= 1,574; mean age = 68.5), we modeled 2014 social connectedness as a latent factor (participation, isolation, loneliness), assessed four DNA methylation clocks in 2016 (DNAmGrimAge, DunedinPoAm, DNAmPhenoAge, Zhang), and cognition in 2018. Survey-weighted regression-with-residuals mediation models adjusted for socio-demographics, smoking, obesity, self-rated health, heart disease, baseline cognition, and complex design.ResultsLower social connectedness predicted poorer 2018 cognition (ATE ≈ -0.047 to -0.048 across models, p .05).DiscussionFindings provide limited, clock-specific support for epigenetic mediation, with preliminary evidence implicating DNAmGrimAge.

Demander à l'IA

Bookmark

View Full Paper