SOCIAL NETWORKS IN MID-TO-LATE-LIFE ADULTS AND COGNITIVE DECLINE: THE FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

Investigates how social network size relates to cognitive decline across memory, language, and executive functioning among adults aged 40–90. Using 1,297 participants from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort, social network size was measured with the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (2005–2009) and grouped into four levels. Linear mixed models estimated annual change while adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI, smoking, physical activity, and depressive symptoms. Higher social network size showed significant associations with steeper declines in memory and executive functioning and greater dementia prevalence and incidence, suggesting reverse causation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study Overview

Participants and Cohort

Measures and Model Approach

Key Findings and Interpretation

FAQs

What was the main objective of the study?

To examine the relationship between social network size in mid-to-late-life adults and cognitive decline in memory, language, and executive functioning.

How was social network size measured and categorized?

Social network size was determined using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) measured between 2005–2009, and categorized into four groups.

What did the study find about social network size and cognitive decline?

Higher SNI was significantly associated with declines in memory and executive functioning, and individuals with higher SNI had higher proportions of prevalent and incident dementia during follow-up.

Sep 29, 2026

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