Social isolation and cognitive function in middle aged and older adults in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center: Implications for the pandemic

Social isolation and loneliness contribute to cognitive decline, and social isolation represents a key modifiable risk factor for dementia. Substantial interruptions in social engagement due to the COVID‐19 pandemic have heightened awareness of this issue, but common later‐life events may also reduce social connectedness. The neurocognitive impacts of such disruptions are unclear. Using the validated NIH Emotion Toolbox, we examined perceived social support and changes in perceived support as predictors of cognitive function in a sample of middle aged and older adults.