Learning to Cope: Social Support and the Effect of Cognitive Impairment on Depression in Adulthood

• In Event: 2320 - Section on Disability in Society Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 1 Section on Disability in Society Refereed Roundtables

Abstract

The burden of Alzheimer’s disease includes not only the degenerative effects of the illness itself, but also its disruptive impact on individuals’ lives, including through the promotion of comorbid mental health problems. Building on social support theory, this study examines whether or not supportive relationships moderate the link between cognitive impairment and depression among older adults. I analyze longitudinal data collected from 691 participants at an Alzheimer’s Disease research clinic, with each participant observed annually between 1990-2018. The sample includes information about participants’ clinical “study partners,” typically a confidant or primary caregiver. I use mixed effects negative binomial regression models to examine which characteristics of study partners (including educational attainment and level of commitment) are associated with participants’ depressive symptoms. I find that greater participant and study partner education are both associated with reduced depressive symptoms. However, the benefits of a more educated study partner are conditional – greater study partner education is only associated with reduced depressive symptoms among the most impaired and the least educated participants. In contrast, study partner commitment is not associated with participants’ mental health. These results suggest that the most vulnerable older adults have the most to gain from access to educated supporters who are prepared to take on a care manager role. I discuss implications for social support theory, including the need to examine the link between patients’ needs and supporters’ capabilities. Promoting caregiver education and training could help alleviate the secondary health consequences of cognitive impairment.

Author

• William R McConnell, Florida Atlantic University