Universität zu Köln

Vogel, Selina ORCID: 0000-0002-1814-2918 and Zank, Susanne ORCID: 0000-0002-8396-1610 (2026). Important for preventing but also living well with cognitive impairment – The associations between social relationships, well-being, and cognition in very old adults. International Psychogeriatrics, 38 (1). pp. 1-8. Elsevier. ISSN 1041-6102

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Abstract

[Artilel-Nr.: 100109] Objectives: Social relationships are well-researched as protective factors against cognitive impairment, but their role for individuals experiencing cognitive impairment is less clear. The present study examined the associations between cognitive impairment, social relationships, and well-being in very old adults (80 + years), a high-risk group for cognitive impairment. Design: Using representative data from the Study on Quality of Life and Well-Being in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW80+ Study), we analyzed three social factors (close network, leisure activity, loneliness) and two well- being measures (depressiveness, positive affect) across very old individuals with and without cognitive im- pairment. We also investigated whether cognitive impairment affected the associations between social factors and well-being. Setting: Computer-assisted interviews were conducted with target persons or proxies in private housing and care facilities. Participants: The final sample included 1516 participants: 66.80 % without cognitive impairment, 15.00 % with mild impairment, and 18.20 % with major impairment. Measurements: Social and well-being measures were assessed through standardized interviews. Results: Cognitive impairment was associated with poorer social outcomes and lower well-being. Meanwhile, stronger social connections were linked to higher well-being. The associations were partially influenced by cognitive impairment. Notably, low leisure engagement was more strongly associated with increased depres- siveness in individuals with major cognitive impairment than in those without (B = −0.53 [−0.83, −0.23], p < .001). Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the importance of social integration in preserving well-being for individuals with cognitive impairment. As the incidence of cognitive impairment rises, future research should not only focus on prevention but also on improving the situation for those affected.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Vogel, Selina UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1814-2918 UNSPECIFIED Zank, Susanne UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8396-1610 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-806175
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.inpsyc.2025.100109
Journal or Publication Title:	International Psychogeriatrics
Volume:	38
Number:	1
Page Range:	pp. 1-8
Number of Pages:	1
Date:	January 2026
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	1041-6102
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Human Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Human Sciences > Department Heilpädagogik und Rehabilitation
Subjects:	Education
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Cognitive impairment ; Dementia ; Social relationships ; Social networks ; Well-being ; Quality of life English
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80617