The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Everyday Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Longitudinal Study

Abstract Objective Explore the relationship between perceived social support and changes in informant-rated cognitive ability in people with mild cognitive impairment (pwMCI) enrolled in a lifestyle intervention program. Based on prior literature, we hypothesized lower levels of social support would be associated with greater declines in executive functioning (EF) over time. Method Forty-nine pwMCI who enrolled in a 12-month comprehensive lifestyle program completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and their informants completed the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog) pre- and post-program. Change scores were calculated for the ECog Total Score and EF subscale. MCI participants were classified into three groups based on ECog change: Declined (n = 17), Stable (n = 17), and Improved (n = 15). Pearson correlations were conducted between MSPSS, ECog, and EF change scores within each group. Results There was no significant difference in baseline ECog ratings between groups, F(2,46) = 0.36, p = 0.70 or baseline MSPSS F(2,46) = 1.23, p = 0.30. For the Declined group, a trend emerged suggesting higher MSPSS was associated with declines in EF (r = 0.27, p = 0.07). The relationship between MSPSS and ECog total scores was not significant (p = 0.16). No trends or associations were observed in the Stable or Improved groups. Conclusions Findings were counter to initial hypotheses. Although further work is needed, this effect may relate to Reciprocity Theory which posits those who require more social support experience emotional distress due to feelings of unwanted dependence and a lack of perceived ability to reciprocate support. This experience may adversely affect EF through an increase in negative emotions and stress. Further exploration of moderators of this relationship is warranted.