Abstract
<h3>Background</h3> The extent to which social relationships influence cognitive ageing is unclear. This study investigates the impact of mid-lif quality of close relationships on cognitive decline, using multilevel modelling. <h3>Methods</h3> Whitehall II study participants (n = 6495, aged 45–69 at baseline) provided cognitive assessments (executive function and memory) three times over 10 years. The quality of close relationships was assessed by the Close Persons Questionnaire. <h3>Results</h3> Higher levels of adverse close relationships in mid-life were related to lower concurrent memory (-0.07; 95% CI: -0.12,-0.02 SD) and accelerated 10-year decline in executive function (-0.04; 95% CI: -0.07,-0.01 SD). Participants reporting higher cumulative negative aspects of close relationships experienced greater decline in executive function (-0.04; 95% CI: -0.07,-0.01 SD). Longitudinal analysis found no evidence of reverse causality. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Adverse close relationships predict relatively rapid cognitive ageing. This study highlights the importance of differentiating aspects of social relationships to evaluate their unique health effects.
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