Getting Together to Promote Cognitive Fitness

In our recent posts, we discussed ways that caring for our bodies—specifically, getting enough sleep and exercising—can be beneficial for cognitive function. Here, we examine how cognition may also be affected by our social interactions. We discuss ways in which the quantity and quality of our interactions influence our cognitive ability, and how we can maintain good interactions in the current climate.

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Researchers have long understood that social engagement is a critical factor in maintaining cognitive function as we get older: Increased social engagement is associated with both higher levels of cognitive ability in healthy older adults and a reduced likelihood of developing dementia (Barnes et al., 2004; Fratiglioni et al., 2004; Ybarra et al., 2007). Multiple studies, including intervention studies (or randomized control trials) have shown that social engagement is associated with increased cognition (Kelly et al., 2017). Some have even shown that social engagement can be associated with greater brain volume in older adults (Mortimer et al., 2012). In other words, social engagement may be another way in which we can stave off the negative cognitive and neural effects of aging.

One way that social activities may help promote cognition is by providing a natural source of cognitive stimulation (Kelly et al., 2017). When we have a meaningful exchange with another person, we rely on executive control processes to keep the conversation on track and on topic; we retrieve information from long-term memory to establish the context; we keep the last statements in our memory in order to respond appropriately, and we often rely on inhibitory and regulatory processes to not upset our conversation partner. Requiring our brains to deftly engage these processes can enhance our cognitive reserve and provide a buffer against cognitive decline (Scarmeas & Stern, 2003).

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Although social interactions can be stimulating, recent research shows that not all social interactions are created equal. In fact, it is an individual’s perceived social support that really matters for cognitive health. Perceived social support reflects the extent to which an individual feels supported by those in their network, regardless of the number of social interactions. Social support is associated with increased cognition, but also provides specific memory benefits (Kelly et al., 2017). One potential explanation for this additional enhancement is that social support may buffer against the effects of stress (Cohen & Wills, 1985; Ozbay et al., 2007), which is known to negatively impact memory.

For many of us, the last eight months have brought an unprecedented level of social isolation, in an attempt to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Although these precautions are essential, it is also important to consider how these measures can have unexpected negative consequences. In addition to the dangers of social isolation on one’s overall well-being and mental health, it is clear that a lack of social engagement or support can contribute to greater age-related declines in cognition. In an effort to mitigate these effects, some experts have called for society to reject the term “social distancing," and to instead embrace “physical distancing and social solidarity.” In other words, as we maintain our physical distance from others, it becomes even more important for us to stay socially connected through email, phone calls, and video-chats.

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Researchers who have studied successful social interactions during the pandemic emphasize the importance of prioritizing meaningful connections with others. They warn that social media, while a valuable tool for staying in touch with loved ones, can be harmful if not used properly. In particular, they found that passively scrolling through feeds and updates was strongly linked to negative emotional states. This is consistent with prior studies showing that social media use is associated with depression in young adults (Lin et al., 2016). In contrast, phone and video conversations were both associated with positive emotions. If social engagement supports cognition by reducing stress, these more meaningful interactions could provide a considerable benefit.

As we enter the ninth month of distancing, it is clear that the mental and emotional effects of prolonged isolation are taking their toll on people across the country. The cognitive impact may be a hidden effect of the current pandemic in the older adult population. When we began social distancing in March and April, many of us did not expect to still be facing decisions about social interactions over the holidays. As we move into this season, these feelings of loneliness and isolation may feel greater than ever before, and we may be looking for ways to engage with others in our social network. Research tells us that we should focus on having meaningful phone or video conversations, with those in our network who make us feel supported, rather than expanding our in-person or social media networks. This will provide us with social support while maintaining physical safety over the holiday season.