UCLA

Social relationships may be a protective factor for cognitive decline. Elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with cognitive decline. We aim to estimate the effect of social relationships (family support and local ties in particular) on cognitive function (measured by Modified Mini Mental State Exam and the Spanish and English Verbal Learning Test) and investigate whether the elevated level of inflammatory biomarkers mediates this effect among 1,374 Hispanic participants from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (1998–2007). The total effects of social relationship measures on follow-up cognitive functions were assessed. A mediation analysis (potential outcome framework) was applied to decompose direct and indirect effects. The results were compatible with a protective effect of family support on cognitive function with a larger effect estimated in earlier follow-up time. The null 95% CI of indirect effect estimates suggest there is limited mediation through inflammatory biomarkers within this study sample.