For Older Chinese-Americans, Loneliness and Depression Curtail Cognitive Function

A study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine determined Chinese-Americans "face a high prevalence of psychological distress and disorders, dementia, and cancer, especially in advanced age," according to the American Council on Science and Health . Moreover, the investigators stated that "a well-connected community, active social life, and high acculturation are essential to improving older Chinese adults' health and lowering depression." Over two years, the team interviewed 3,159 older Chinese-Americans in greater Chicago. "The key finding of this study is that loneliness was associated with poor global cognitive functioning in U.S. Chinese older adults," they say. "We suspect that loneliness and depressive symptoms act together to influence cognitive functioning." Furthermore, the researchers ascertained that the length of residence in the U.S. had a positive association with all cognitive function domains apart from working memory. "One plausible explanation is longer years lived in the United States may increase Chinese older adults' engagement in social and leisure activities, which can mitigate cognitive decline," they note.