Journal article 40 views 14 downloads
Cognitive Processing Speed and Loneliness in Stroke Survivors: Insights from a Large-Scale Cohort Study
,
Rudi Coetzer,
Richard Ramsey
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
Swansea University Author: Rudi Coetzer
-
PDF | Version of Record
© The Author(s) 2024. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License.
Download (1.17MB)
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...
| Published in: | Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1873-5843 |
| Published: |
Oxford University Press (OUP)
2024
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67962 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| 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). |