Social Cognitive Function Research Articles

69 Executively-Mediated Language Skills are Related to Performance-Based Social Functioning across the Psychosis-Spectrum

Objective:Social impairment is observed across psychotic-spectrum disorders (PSDs). Prior work demonstrates that neurocognition may account for social impairment in chronic PSDs. Concerning specific neurocognitive facets, there is support for a relationship between language/verbal performance and social outcomes in chronic PSDs. However, few studies have investigated this relationship in at-risk and early intervention samples, despite the clinical importance in these populations. The present study aimed to identify whether language is related to social functioning across the psychosis-spectrum, utilizing a sample comprised of individuals low in schizotypal personality traits, at-risk for psychosis (high in schizotypal traits), and those who recently experienced a first episode of psychosis (FEP). As an exploratory analysis and guided by findings from general studies of neurocognition and functional outcomes in the chronic PSD literature, we also investigated potential mediating mechanisms (i.e, negative traits; social cognition). We hypothesized that language is related to social functioning, and language is indirectly related to social functioning through negative traits and social cognition.Participants and Methods:We recruited 42 participants low in schizotypal traits and 44 high in schizotypal traits from undergraduate courses, and 15 FEP individuals were recruited from an early psychosis intervention center. On average, participants were 21.55 (4.39) years old and completed 14 (1.57) years of education. A majority were female (62%) and White (82%). Participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised Updated, which was used to categorize the schizotypy groups and sum negative traits; and measures of language/verbal ability (Similarities, Proverbs Test, semantic fluency, Digit Span), social cognition (Hinting Task, Affect Naming), and examiner-rated (Global functioning [GF]: Social) and performance-based social functioning (Social Skills Performance Assessment; SSPA). We also measured verbal processing speed and COVID-19 distress as covariates. Standardized scores were used for neurocognitive variables, and we used raw scores for most other variables. We utilized hierarchical linear regression models to examine whether specific language/verbal skills accounted for unique variance in examiner-rated and performance-based social functioning. For our exploratory analyses, we created averaged z-scores for language, social cognition, and social functioning and then, employed PROCESS Macro Model 4 to examine whether negative traits or social cognition were significant mediators in two separate mediation models.Results:Controlling for verbal processing speed and COVID-19 distress, language accounted for a significant portion of variance in SSPA performance, p = .008, ΔR2 = .12. Specifically, better Proverbs Test performance was uniquely associated with better SSPA performance, β = .33, p = .002. Controlling for study covariates, language was unrelated to GF: Social ratings, p = .31, ΔR2 = .038. In exploratory analyses, language was significantly indirectly related to social functioning through social cognition, β = .15, SE = .04, 95% CI [.04, .27], but not through negative traits, β = .08, SE = .06, 95% CI [-.001, .17].Conclusions:Our findings suggest that executively-mediated language tasks (e.g., Proverbs Test) and social cognition may be beneficial treatment targets for social impairment. Limitations include generalizability of the present findings, small FEP sample, and cross-sectional design. Future work should replicate these findings in longitudinal models.

1 Social Support is Associated with Better Memory Performance among Hispanic/Latino, but not Non-Hispanic White Older Adults

Objective:Hispanic/Latino (H/L) older adults are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW), and there is an urgent need to identify important factors that may help prevent and/or reduce age-related cognitive health disparities. Positive psychosocial factors, such as social support, may protect against cognitive impairment and decline. However, recent research has highlighted that the effect of social support on cognitive outcomes may differ across racial/ethnic groups. Given the emphasis placed on family relationships and support in H/L culture, the current study sought to clarify whether H/L ethnicity moderated the association between social support and cognitive functioning in a well-characterized sample of community-dwelling older adults residing in Texas.Participants and Methods:Participants included 766 NHW and 817 H/L (predominantly Mexican American) older adults (Mage = 66.25 ±8.64) without dementia enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities. Participants completed study questionnaires and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Perceived social support was measured using the total sum score from the 12-item abbreviated version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Episodic memory performance was operationalized as the z-score composite of the immediate and delayed recall totals from the Spanish English Verbal Learning Test and the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS)-III Logical Memory 1 and 2. Executive functioning was operationalized as the z-score composite of scores from the WMS-III Digit Span, Verbal Fluency (FAS), and Trails B. Analyses of covariance were used to explore racial/ethnic group differences in self-reported levels of social support. Multiple linear regression models examined (1) ethnicity x social support interactions on cognition, and (2) ethnicity-stratified social support and cognition associations. Covariates included age, education, sex, yearly income, and depressive symptoms.Results:H/L older adults reported less perceived social support compared to NHWs (F = 41.16, p < .001). There were no significant ethnicity x social support interactions on episodic memory (ß = 0.04, p = .53) or executive functioning (ß = 0.004, p = .95). However, stratified models revealed that more social support was associated with better memory performance in H/Ls (ß = 0.08, p = .01), but not in NHWs (ß = 0.0004, p = .99). No significant associations between social support and executive functioning were observed amongst H/Ls (ß = -0.01, p = .60) or NHWs (ß = 0.04, p = .29).Conclusions:Although H/Ls reported lower levels of social support relative to NHWs, we observed that social support was linked to better memory performance within the H/L group only. Results suggest that culturally tailored interventions which encourage strong interpersonal relationships and caring for family could enhance social support in H/Ls and thus help to prevent memory decline. Future work should focus on the development of assessment measures that better characterize unique cultural elements of social support within H/Ls, such as multigenerational households, and explore the direct effects of social support on brain metrics.

Childhood maltreatment and midlife cognitive functioning: A longitudinal study of the roles of social support and social isolation.

Negative consequences of childhood maltreatment have been well-documented, including poorer executive functioning and nonverbal reasoning in midlife. However, not all adults with a history of childhood maltreatment manifest these outcomes, suggesting the presence of risk and protective factors. Based on growing empirical support for the importance of social variables in understanding neuropsychological development and functioning, we examined whether social support and social isolation mediate or moderate the effects of childhood maltreatment on cognitive functioning in midlife. In the context of a prospective cohort design study, individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment (ages 0-11 years) and demographically matched controls were followed up and interviewed in adulthood. Social support and isolation were assessed in young adulthood (Mage = 29), and cognitive functioning was assessed in midlife (Mage = 41). Structural equation modeling was used for mediation and linear regressions for moderation. Childhood maltreatment predicted higher levels of social isolation and lower levels of social support and cognitive functioning. Only social isolation mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and midlife cognitive functioning, whereas childhood maltreatment interacted with social support to predict Matrix Reasoning in midlife. Social support was protective for the control group but not for those maltreated. Social isolation and social support play different roles in understanding how childhood maltreatment impacts midlife cognitive functioning. Greater social isolation predicts greater deficits in cognitive functioning overall, whereas the protective effects of social support are limited to those without a documented history of childhood maltreatment. Clinical implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Metabolic Syndrome Causing Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.

Schizophrenia often exhibits characteristics like cognitive deficits, and individuals with the condition are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The effect of metabolic syndrome on schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment is still unknown, though. This systematic review aims to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia, specifically focusing on neurocognitive and social cognitive performance. Schizophrenia significantly strains the public healthcare system since it necessitates tremendous resources and care to support those suffering from the condition. Furthermore, patients with schizophrenia are more susceptible to developing obesity than the general population, leading to a higher possibility of developing metabolic syndrome. The gut microbiota has been recognized as a critical regulator of bidirectional interactions between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is closely linked to the development of both schizophrenia and obesity, sharing common pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly immune inflammation. In this systematic review, we examine the existing literature to explore the relationship between metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment in individuals with schizophrenia. By synthesizing available evidence on neurocognitive and social cognitive performance, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the association between metabolic syndrome and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. The findings from this review will contribute to our knowledge of the complex interplay between metabolic abnormalities, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. This understanding may facilitate the development of novel interventions targeting metabolic syndrome as a potential avenue for improving cognitive outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia.

Modulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade through G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) activation: Prenatal lysophosphatidylinositol attenuates valproic acid-induced synaptic abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction

AimsDysregulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has recently emerged as a potential regulator of this signaling cascade. This study explores the intricate modulation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade via GPR55 activation and its potential therapeutic implications in the context of autism-associated neuronal impairments. Main methodsValproic acid (VPA) was administered on embryonic day 12 (E12) to induce ASD, and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), a GPR55 agonist, was used prenatally to modulate the receptor activity. Golgi-cox staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology, and Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining was carried out to quantify damaged neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented to identify molecular mediators involved in neuroprotection. Key findingsPrenatal VPA exposure resulted in significant abnormalities in synaptic development, which were further evidenced by impairments in social interaction and cognitive function. When LPI was administered, most of the synaptic abnormalities were alleviated, as reflected by higher neuron and dendritic spine count. LPI treatment also reduced cytoplasmic cytochrome c concentration and related neuronal cell death. Mechanistically, GPR55 activation by LPI increases the expression of phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β, leading to the activation of this signaling in the process of rescuing synaptic abnormalities and mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis. SignificanceThe observed therapeutic effects of GPR55 activation shed light on its significance as a prospective target for ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and dendritic spine loss, offering novel prospects for developing targeted interventions to alleviate the neuropathological causes of ASD.

Corpus callosum microstructural organization mediates the effects of physical neglect on social cognition in schizophrenia

Exposure to early life adversity is associated with both increased risk of developing schizophrenia and poorer performance on measures of social cognitive functioning. In this study, we examined whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Corpus Callosum (CC) microstructure mediated the association between childhood physical neglect and social cognition. Fifty-eight patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were included. The CANTAB emotion recognition task (unbiased hit rate) was used to assess social cognition. We found that the microstructural organization of the CC significantly mediated the association between physical neglect and emotion recognition. Furthermore, in a sequential mediation analysis that also considered the role of inflammatory response, the association between physical neglect, and lower emotion recognition performance was sequentially mediated by higher IL-6 and lower fractional anisotropy of the CC. This mediating effect of IL-6 was only present when simultaneously considering the effects of CC microstructural organization and remained significant while controlling for the effects of sex, BMI and medication dosage (but not age). Overall, the findings suggest that the association between physical neglect and poorer emotion recognition in schizophrenia occurs, at least in part, via its association with white matter microstructure.

A - 82 Perceived Social Support Is Associated with Cognition but Not Physical Functioning in Older Adults with and without Multiple Sclerosis.

To examine the association between perceived social support, cognition, and physical functioning in older adults with and without Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants were dementia-free older adults with MS (N = 89; M age = 64.75, SD + 4.25years; 66.3% female) and community-residing older adults (N = 102; M age = 68.74, SD + 7.12years; 62.7% female). The medical outcomes study modified social support survey (MSSS), oral symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and timed-25-foot-walk-test (T25FW) served as outcome measures. Linear regressions stratified by group status assessed the associations between PSS, cognition, and physical functioning. Higher total MSSS scores were associated with higher SDMT scores in the MS group (β= 0.24, p = 0.02) and in the control group (β= 0.26, p = 0.005). Positive social interaction (β= 0.27, p = 0.011) was associated with SDMT performance in the MS group. Emotional/informational support (β= 0.27, p = 0.003) and positive social interaction (β= 0.25, p = 0.007) were associated with SDMT performance in the control group. Depression scores attenuated associations between perceived social support and SDMT performance in the MS group (p > 0.05) but not the control group. In contrast, higher MSSS scores were not associated with higher T25FW scores in either group. Among older adults with and without MS, perceived social support was associated with cognition but not physical functioning. Depressive symptoms attenuated associations between perceived social support and cognition in the MS group only.

A - 131 Social Adjustment and Functioning in Serious Mental Illness Is Predicted by Social Cognition.

Deficits in social cognition (SC) and social functioning (SF) are prominent in schizophrenia. This study used standardized assessments to examine SC and SF to determine if similar deficits are present in persons diagnosed with bipolar disorders. The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT) was used to assess emotion identification and social inference, and the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) to assess SF domains (Social Engagement, Interpersonal Communication, Independent Performance, Independent Competence, Recreation, Prosocial, and Employment). The TASIT and SFS were administered to individuals with schizophrenia (SZ; N = 22), bipolar disorder with psychotic features (BP+; N = 20) or without psychotic features (BP-; N = 21), and healthy controls (HC; N = 22). Mixed model ANOVA examined group differences and multiple regression determined if SC predicted SF. The SZ group showed significantly worse SF compared to all other groups. There was no significant difference between the BP+ and BP-, and both BP groups performed worse than HCs. For multiple regression, the three clinical groups (SZ, BP+, BP-) were combined to yield an overall SMI group (N = 63). TASIT emotion identification and social inference predicted performance on SFS domains of Independent Performance, Independent Competence, Recreation, Prosocial, and SFS total score. Emotion identification was the strongest predictor of the Independent Performance domain in comparison to social inference. Performance on the TASIT predicted performance across several domains of SF in SMI. Differences were present based on the specific SC abilities and SF domains, suggesting SC abilities are more strongly associated with some functional domains but not others, which may help guide clinical decision making.

Associations between Social Support and Cognitive Performance among Persons with MS.

Social support is a protective factor against cognitive decline in the general population. However, the relationship between social support and cognitive functioning among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between different aspects of social support and cognitive performance among persons with MS. A volunteer sample of 60 persons with MS completed the Medical Outcomes Study Support Social Survey 5-item short form (MSSS-5) and the Social Network Index (SNI). Cognitive functioning was assessed through a virtually-administered neuropsychological battery. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations between social support measures and cognitive performance. In models adjusting for level of premorbid functioning, both perceived social support (i.e., to what extent one receives assistance from their social network; p=.002) and total size of social network (i.e., total number of people one regularly talks to; p=.002) were significant predictors of processing speed/executive functioning with moderate effect sizes. However, when we accounted for employment status in a post hoc analysis, the association between social network size and processing speed/executive functioning became statistically insignificant, while the relationship between perceived social support and processing speed/executive functioning remained significant (p = .002). Greater perceived social support is associated with better performance on processing speed/executive functioning measures among persons with MS, independent of effects from premorbid functioning and employment status. Maintaining a strong social support network may be an important factor in optimizing cognitive health in MS.

Psychological development on the positive psychology of autistic students

BackgroundAutism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interaction and verbal communication deficits. Students with autism face various psychological difficulties in the college environment, such as social difficulties, emotional fluctuations, and limited cognitive function. This study aims to help autistic students develop their psychology and improve their quality of life.Subjects and MethodsThis study tried to carry out psychological extension training in college sports, and 50 students with autism were set as research objects. Half of the students received psychological extension training in the physical education course, and the other half received traditional behavioral intervention therapy in the physical education course. Both groups of students received one semester of therapeutic training. Results SPSS23.0 software was used for psychological data correlation statistics, P>0.5 indicated strong correlation and P<0.5 indicated medium weak correlation.Results The experimental results showed that after one semester of treatment training, the number of autistic students in the experimental group was reduced to 12. The overall mental state was good, and the cultivation of positive psychology was more effective. At the same time, the average test score was higher. However, the number of students with autism in the control group remained high at about 20, and the P-value was still greater than 0.5.ConclusionsThe psychological development training proposed in this study can provide theoretical and practical guidance for cultivating autistic students’ positive psychology to improve their overall mental health level.

Effects of group music therapy on symptoms and functional recovery in outpatients with chronic psychoses: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Introduction In cases of schizophrenia and other psychoses, a comprehensive strategy that combines psychopharmacology with psychosocial interventions is often used to address symptoms, cognitive deficits, social functioning, and quality of life. The aim of this research was to carry out a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of a music therapy (MT) treatment protocol on quality of life (primary outcome), symptoms, self-esteem, internalized stigma, social cognition, and social functioning (secondary outcomes), when implemented in combination with standard pharmacological and psychosocial rehabilitation (treatment as usual, TAU). Method Sixty clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychoses were randomly allocated to one of two groups: One group was administered TAU (n = 30) and the other TAU + MT (n = 30). The MT component consisted of 22 sessions of evidence-based MT. Outcome measures were obtained before and after treatment using a masked assessment process. Results A total of 57 participants completed the study. All participants were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Differences between the groups were observed for internalized stigma (η2=.46), social functioning (η2=.18) and quality of life (η2=.25), with the TAU + MT group showing significantly greater improvements than the control group. Discussion The results obtained support the benefits of incorporating a MT treatment protocol as a complementary therapy to standard treatment.

The Processing Mechanism of Repetitive Practice Affecting Time-Based Prospective Memory.

Time-based prospective memory (TBPM) refers to performing intended actions at a specific time in the future. The TBPM task is very common in daily life, and whether it can be successfully completed can affect our quality of life. Repeated behavior training can usually improve social cognitive performance, and this study focused on exploring whether TBPM performance could improve with repeated behavior training. Meanwhile, we also focused on whether behavior training could reduce attention consumption, both internal and external, attention on TBPM tasks. In this study, a single-factor between-subject design was adopted. Seventy-three undergraduates were assigned to three groups: the control group, the baseline group, and the experimental group. The baseline group only needs to perform ongoing tasks, so the ongoing task performance of the control group will not be affected by TBPM tasks. The control group needs to perform both ongoing and TBPM tasks without practice. The experimental group needs to perform both ongoing and TBPM tasks after 30 exercises. The ongoing task is a typical working memory task. The TBPM task was to press a "1" button every 1 min. The results showed that the performance of ongoing tasks in the baseline group, experimental group, and control group decreased sequentially, and the experimental group had less time monitoring than the control group. The results indicated that behavior training could reduce attention consumption in both internal attention and external attention, but it could not reach the level of automatic processing.

P01.10.B EMOTION RECOGNITION IN PATIENTS WITH LOW-GRADE GLIOMA: THE RELATIONSHIP WITH TUMOR LOCATION AND TUMOR VOLUME

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with low-grade gliomas (LGG), generally function well at the time of diagnosis and have a favourable prognosis. However, LGG can have impact on cognitive functioning of patients. To date, little is known about social cognition (SC) in patients with LGG. Social cognitive functions allow the processing of complex social information, with as important element the ability to recognize other people’s emotional expressions. Inaccurate recognition or misinterpretation of emotional facial expressions can lead to impairments in social functioning, which can have adverse effects on quality of life. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate emotion recognition in patients with LGG and the relationship with tumor location and tumor volume. MATERIAL AND METHODS 125 patients with IDH mutated astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma grade 2 and 3, were matched with 169 healthy controls (HC). Tumor location and volume were evaluated pre-radiotherapy based on MRI scans. As a parameter for LGG volume the clinical radiotherapy target volume was used. SC was measured with a test for emotion recognition, i.e. the Facial Expressions of Emotion Stimuli and Tests (FEEST), after surgery. Descriptive statistics and between-group comparisons were performed. RESULTS On a group level, patients with LGG performed significantly lower on the FEEST total score compared to HC. Also, compared to norm data used in clinical practice, 32.8% of the patients showed an impaired performance. Larger LGG volume was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with poorer performance on emotion recognition. However, no direct association between LGG location (frontal, temporal, parietal) and emotion recognition was found. CONCLUSION In patients with LGG, impaired emotion recognition is often present before start of radiotherapy, and is related to larger LGG volume but not to location. Because of the relatively favourable prognosis of patients with LGG, maintaining quality of life is of high importance. Therefore, a thorough neuropsychological examination, including measurements for SC, is necessary to inform patients with LGG about possible changes in SC, and offer appropriate psychoeducation and care.

Social cognition and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: Theory of mind as a key to understand schizophrenia dysfunction

Functional impairment is a common symptom in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Pharmacological treatments have limited functional recovery in both disorders. Social cognition, a cognitive process, has been associated with functioning in mental disorders. Theory of mind (ToM) is considered a key factor in understanding the social cognitive deficits in SZ and BD. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between ToM and functioning in SZ, BD, and healthy controls (HC) and compare ToM and functioning impairments between groups. A total of 208 participants (HC n = 69; BD n = 89; SZ n = 50) were evaluated with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST), Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), the Vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale for Intelligence (WASI) and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R). Comparisons of RMET between low- and high-functioning individuals and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted for each group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the association between ToM and psychosocial functioning was observed only in SZ (β = –1.352, p = 0.008). Low-functioning SZ participants showed a lower ToM performance compared to participants with high-functioning SZ (t = 1.80, p = 0.039, Cohen's d = 0.938). No significant associations were found in the other groups. ToM is essential to understand the functional impairment in SZ, more than in BD. Furthermore, ToM may be a primary target for intervention strategies in improving functioning in SZ.

Effect of D-pinitol on MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice.

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder characterized by positive symptoms (delusions or hallucinations), negative symptoms (impaired motivation or social withdrawal), and cognitive impairment. In the present study, we explored whether D-pinitol could ameliorate schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. Acoustic startle response test was conducted to evaluate the effects of D-pinitol on sensorimotor gating function. Social interaction and novel object recognition tests were employed to measure the impact of D-pinitol on social behavior and cognitive function, respectively. Additionally, we examined whether D-pinitol affects motor coordination. Western blotting was conducted to investigate the mechanism of action of D-pinitol. Single administration of D-pinitol at 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg improved the sensorimotor gating deficit induced by MK801 in the acoustic startle response test. D-Pinitol also reversed social behavior deficits and cognitive impairments induced by MK-801 without causing any motor coordination deficits. Furthermore, D-pinitol reversed increased expression levels of pNF-kB induced by MK-801 treatment and consequently increased expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that D-pinitol could be a potential candidate for treating sensorimotor gating deficits and cognitive impairment observed in schizophrenia by down-regulating transcription factor NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the prefrontal cortex.

Association of Perceived Neighborhood Environments With Cognitive Function in Older Adults.

The current study examined the associations between perceptions of the social and physical neighborhood environments and cognitive function in older adults. This cross-sectional study analyzed 821 adults aged ≥65 years from the Adult Changes in Thought study. Perceived neighborhood attributes were measured by the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument. The associations were tested using multivariate linear regression. One point greater perceived access to public transit was associated with 0.56 points greater cognitive function score (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25, 0.88]), and an additional one point of perceived sidewalk coverage was related to 0.22 points higher cognitive function score (95% CI [0.00, 0.45]) after controlling for sociodemographic factors. The perception of neighborhood attributes alongside physical infrastructure may play an important role in supporting older adults' cognitive function. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(8), 35-41.].

The Social-Cognitive Functions of Workplace Humor, Gender, on Promotability

The Social-Cognitive Functions of Workplace Humor, Gender, on Promotability

Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia: predictors and correlates of patient life engagement in a large sample of people living in the community.

Life engagement represents a holistic concept that encompasses outcomes reflecting life-fulfilment, well-being and participation in valued and meaningful activities, which is recently gaining attention and scientific interest. Despite its conceptual importance and its relevance, life engagement represents a largely unexplored domain in schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were to independently assess correlates and predictors of patient life engagement in a large and well-characterized sample of schizophrenia patients. To assess the impact of different demographic, clinical, cognitive and functional parameters on life engagement in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, data from the social cognition psychometric evaluation project were analyzed. Overall schizophrenia and depressive symptom severity, premorbid IQ, neurocognitive performance, social cognition performance both in the emotion processing and theory of mind domains, functional capacity, social skills performance and real-world functioning in different areas all emerged as correlates of patient life engagement. Greater symptom severity and greater impairment in real-world interpersonal relationships, social skills, functional capacity and work outcomes emerged as individual predictors of greater limitations in life engagement. Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia represents a holistic and complex construct, with several different clinical, cognitive and functional correlates. These features represent potential treatment targets to improve the clinical condition and also facilitate the process of recovery and the overall well-being of people living with schizophrenia.

The impact of sensory impairments and eye diseases on cognitive function in elderly Chinese: The mediating effects of social participation.

Sensory impairments and eye diseases increase the risk of cognitive decline, but little is known regarding their influence on cognitive function in elderly Chinese and the underlying mechanisms. We aimed to explore these influence mechanism from the social participation perspective. We selected 2876 respondents aged ≥60 from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2013, 2015, and 2018. We assessed sensory impairments and eye diseases based on self-reported responses, and evaluated its relation to social participation and cognitive function by fixed-effects regression and mediation effect analysis over a five-year period. Respondents with visual impairment and cataracts had poor memory and mental status. Compared with near visual impairment, distance visual impairment was associated with a 1.7 times higher likelihood of cognitive decline (correlation coefficient (β) = -0.051; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.065, -0.036)). Respondents with hearing impairment had bad memory (β = -0.046; 95% CI = -0.065, -0.036), but not mental status. Social participation partially mediated the relationships of sensory impairments and cataracts with cognitive function in elderly Chinese. Individuals with sensory impairments affected by limited social participation reported a faster cognitive decline compared to those with eye disease. We found that sensory impairments and eye diseases were negatively associated with cognitive function. Furthermore, sensory impairments and cataracts influence cognitive function partly via social participation. Our results have important theoretical and practical implications and suggests that early interventions for sensory impairments and eye diseases may improve the cognitive function of elderly people.

Longitudinal Analysis of Social Isolation and Cognitive Functioning among Hispanic Older Adults with Sensory Impairments.

Understanding the intersection of age, ethnicity, and disability will become increasingly important as the global population ages and becomes more diverse. By 2060, Hispanics will comprise 28% of the U.S. This study examines critical associations between sensory impairment, social isolation, and cognitive functioning among Hispanic older adults. Our sample consisted of 557 Hispanic older adults that participated in Rounds 1-3 or Rounds 5-7 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Longitudinal mediation models across a three-year span were estimated using Mplus, with vision, hearing, and dual sensory impairments predicting cognitive functioning directly and indirectly through social isolation. Findings indicated that cognitive functioning was concurrently and, in certain cases, longitudinally predicted by vision and dual sensory impairments and by social isolation. Contrary to expectations, vision and hearing impairments were not predictive of social isolation. Dual sensory impairment was associated with social isolation, yet no significant indirect associations were found for sensory impairments predicting cognitive functioning through social isolation. The finding that social isolation did not mediate the relationship between sensory impairment and cognitive decline among Hispanic older adults in the U.S. is contrary to findings from other studies that were not specifically focused on this population. This finding may be evidence that culturally motivated family support and intergenerational living buffer the impact of sensory impairments in later life. Findings suggest that Hispanic older adults experiencing dual sensory impairments may benefit from interventions that foster social support and include family members.