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Cognitive Processing Speed and Loneliness in Stroke Survivors: Insights from a Large-Scale Cohort Study

Christopher Byrne Orcid Logo, Rudi Coetzer, Richard Ramsey Orcid Logo

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, Volume: 39, Issue: 7, Pages: 860 - 871

Swansea University Author: Rudi Coetzer

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DOI (Published version): 10.1093/arclin/acae032

Abstract

Objective: Loneliness, when prolonged, is associated with many deleterious effects and has been shown to be highly prevalent in those with a history of stroke, yet the cognitive mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the extent to whi...

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Published in: Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
ISSN: 1873-5843
Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2024
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67962
Abstract: Objective: Loneliness, when prolonged, is associated with many deleterious effects and has been shown to be highly prevalent in those with a history of stroke, yet the cognitive mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the extent to which cognitive factors, with specific focus on processing speed, are associated with loneliness in those with a history of stroke. Method: Utilizing data from the British Cohort Study, a nationally representative dataset, we conducted secondary data analysis. A total of 7,752 participants completed relevant questions related to health, social interactions, demographics, loneliness, and cognitive assessments. Among them, 47 had experienced a stroke (“stroke,” n = 47), 5,545 reported other health conditions (“ill,” n = 5,545), and 2,857 were deemed healthy (“healthy,” n = 2,857). Results: Consistent with previous research, our findings confirmed a positive correlation between stroke history and heightened loneliness. However, inferential analysis revealed that processing speed, alongside other cognitive factors, had a minimal impact on loneliness, with correlations too small to draw definitive conclusions. Conclusion: This study suggests that cognitive processing speed alone is not a robust predictor of loneliness in stroke survivors. Consequently, when developing interventions to combat loneliness in this population, it is crucial to consider a broader spectrum of factors, such as social engagement, emotional wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships. This underscores the imperative need for comprehensive assessments to better comprehend the multifaceted nature of loneliness and inform more effective intervention strategies.
Keywords: Loneliness, stroke, acquired brain injury, British Cohort Study, cognition
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Funders: This research was performed as part of an all-Wales Economic and Social Research Council Doctoral Training Centre PhD studentship (awarded to RR and RC, PhD student: CB).
Issue: 7
Start Page: 860
End Page: 871

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