Social factors may mediate the relationship between subjective age-related hearing loss and episodic memory

Loughrey, David G., Feeney, Joanne, Kee, Frank, Lawlor, Brian A., Woodside, Jayne V., Setti, Annalisa and McHugh Power, Joanna E. (2021) Social factors may mediate the relationship between subjective age-related hearing loss and episodic memory. Aging and Mental Health, 25 (5). pp. 824-831. ISSN 13607863

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Abstract

Objectives: To investigate whether the relationship between subjective age-related hearing loss (SARHL) and episodic memory functioning is mediated by measures of social functioning.

Methods: Using data from 8,163 adults over 50 that participated in the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (three waves, each two years apart), we used a multiple mediation model within a Structural Equation Modelling framework to explore potential social mediators of the relationship between SARHL and episodic memory functioning, controlling for demographic and health covariates.

Results: Neither the direct effect of self-reported hearing difficulties on memory functioning (β = -.03), nor the total effect (β =.01), were significant. A small inconsistent indirect effect of self-reported hearing difficulties on episodic memory via weekly social activity engagement (β = -.002) was found.

Conclusions: Self-reported hearing difficulties may exert an indirect effect on episodic memory via weekly social activity engagement. The findings may have implications for identification of individuals at risk of memory decline in later life.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Age-related hearing loss; causal mechanism; cognitive decline; cognitive impairment; dementia; episodic memory
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry > Neurology. Diseases of the Nervous System.
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	04 Dec 2023 17:29
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2023 17:29
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6871

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