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

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Date
2020-02-18
Authors
Loughrey, David G.
Feeney, Joanne
Kee, Frank
Lawlor, Brian A.
Woodside, Jayne V.
Setti, Annalisa
McHugh Power, Joanna
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Taylor & Francis
Published Version
10.1080/13607863.2020.1727847
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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.
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Keywords
Age-related hearing loss , Cognitive decline , Cognitive impairment , Dementia , Episodic memory , Causal mechanism
Citation
Loughrey, D. G., Feeney, J., Kee, F., Lawlor, B. A., Woodside, J. V., Setti, A. and Power, J. M. (2020) 'Social factors may mediate the relationship between subjective age-related hearing loss and episodic memory', Aging & Mental Health, pp. 1-8. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1727847
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10468/9733
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Applied Psychology - Journal Articles
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© 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. All rights reserved. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an item published by Taylor & Francis in Aging & Mental Health on 18 Feb 2020, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2020.1727847