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Jesper Dammeyer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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What couples say about living and coping with Sensory Loss: a qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses
Disability and rehabilitation, 2020Co-Authors: Freideriki Carmen Mamali, Christine M. Lehane, Walter Wittich, Natalina Martiniello, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:The current study reports the results of open-ended questions from a follow-up survey of adults with Sensory Loss and their spouses who had previously taken part in an online study. In total, 111 participants completed the survey (72 adults with a Sensory Loss and 39 spouses). Open-ended questions asked about the overall experience of living with Sensory Loss, Sensory Loss-related challenges, and support and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis was used to identify dominant themes in participants' responses. Three core themes capturing their overall experience emerged: (1) Sensory Loss-related challenges, (2) support and coping, and (3) adjustment and readjustment. Sensory Loss was characterized as a challenging experience, causing communication and emotional disturbances. Coping strategies reported by both partners included the use of assistive technology, positive re-appraisal, acceptance and/or denial of the Loss, while support strategies were mostly derived from the comments of spouses (for AWSLs), family members and peer networks (for both partners). Finally, respondents described Sensory Loss as an adventurous learning experience. Our findings underscore the significance of considering Sensory Loss from a social relational/family perspective and highlight the importance of addressing the needs of both adults with Sensory Loss and their partners in treatment and rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Study highlights the need to consider Sensory Loss from a relational/family perspective. Healthcare professionals should try to increase the involvement of significant others and close family members (e.g., spouses, parents, children) into the rehabilitation process. Greater emphasis should be placed on exploring and reinforcing positive experiences and attitudes associated with Sensory Loss during counselling/rehabilitation sessions. Improved education about Sensory Loss for both the general public and health care professionals could minimize the adverse outcomes associated with Sensory Loss.
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interpersonal communication and psychological well being among couples coping with Sensory Loss the mediating role of perceived spouse support
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2019Co-Authors: Sofia Maria Hofsöe, Christine M. Lehane, Walter Wittich, Peter Hilpert, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:Couples who are willing to discuss Sensory Loss-related issues typically report better well-being, while couples who avoid such discussions tend to report poorer well-being. Inspired by the relatio...
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Communication participation in older adults with dual Sensory Loss
Speech Language and Hearing, 2019Co-Authors: Kathryn Crowe, Hanna Birkbak Hovaldt, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:Purpose: Living with a dual Sensory Loss (DSL), the impairment of both vision and hearing, has a significant impact on the daily life for many older adults, particularly limiting an individual’s ab...
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Relational strain in close social relations among older adults with dual Sensory Loss
British Journal of Visual Impairment, 2019Co-Authors: Hanna Birkbak Hovaldt, Christine M. Lehane, Rikke Lund, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:Objectives:The Loss of both hearing and vision (dual Sensory Loss) affects communication and potentially challenges the ability to maintain healthy social relations. The aim of this study was to ex...
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Couples coping with Sensory Loss: A dyadic study of the roles of self- and perceived partner acceptance.
British journal of health psychology, 2018Co-Authors: Christine M. Lehane, Tine Nielsen, Walter Wittich, Shelby L. Langer, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:OBJECTIVES Hearing-, vision-, and dual-Sensory Loss have been linked to relational and psychological distress among adults with Sensory Loss (AWSLs) and their spouses. Regardless, research on factors associated with couples' adjustment is lacking. This study examined the stability and strength of associations between self-acceptance of Sensory Loss, perceived partner acceptance of Sensory Loss, and relationship satisfaction and psychological distress among AWSLs and their spouses over time. DESIGN A total of 122 AWSLs and their spouses completed an online survey at two time points over a 6-month period. METHODS A multigroup (i.e., time 1 and time 2) actor-partner interdependence model assessed the stability and strength of actor and partner effects of self-acceptance and perceived partner acceptance on each partner's relationship satisfaction and psychological distress over time. RESULTS No moderation by time was identified, indicating stability in associations over the 6-month period. Overall, both actor and partner effects were evident. Specifically, self-acceptance among AWSLs was inversely associated with own psychological distress and the relationship satisfaction of spouses. Self-acceptance by spouses was inversely associated with the psychological distress of AWSLs and spouses. Perception of spouse acceptance by AWSLs was positively associated with own and spouse relationship satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting acceptance that incorporate a family systems perspective may be beneficial in alleviating psychological and relational distress among couples coping with Sensory Loss. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The experience of hearing and/or vision Loss has been linked to heightened distress both psychologically and within intimate relationships. Prior research has demonstrated a link between an individual's ability to accept their Sensory Loss and healthier well-being. What does this study add? This is the first dyadic study of Sensory Loss acceptance and its link to relationship satisfaction and distress. Acceptance operates interpersonally protecting against distress for those with Sensory Loss and their spouses. Perceiving that one's spouse accepts the Sensory Loss is important for both partner's relationship satisfaction.
Walter Wittich - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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What couples say about living and coping with Sensory Loss: a qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses
Disability and rehabilitation, 2020Co-Authors: Freideriki Carmen Mamali, Christine M. Lehane, Walter Wittich, Natalina Martiniello, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:The current study reports the results of open-ended questions from a follow-up survey of adults with Sensory Loss and their spouses who had previously taken part in an online study. In total, 111 participants completed the survey (72 adults with a Sensory Loss and 39 spouses). Open-ended questions asked about the overall experience of living with Sensory Loss, Sensory Loss-related challenges, and support and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis was used to identify dominant themes in participants' responses. Three core themes capturing their overall experience emerged: (1) Sensory Loss-related challenges, (2) support and coping, and (3) adjustment and readjustment. Sensory Loss was characterized as a challenging experience, causing communication and emotional disturbances. Coping strategies reported by both partners included the use of assistive technology, positive re-appraisal, acceptance and/or denial of the Loss, while support strategies were mostly derived from the comments of spouses (for AWSLs), family members and peer networks (for both partners). Finally, respondents described Sensory Loss as an adventurous learning experience. Our findings underscore the significance of considering Sensory Loss from a social relational/family perspective and highlight the importance of addressing the needs of both adults with Sensory Loss and their partners in treatment and rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Study highlights the need to consider Sensory Loss from a relational/family perspective. Healthcare professionals should try to increase the involvement of significant others and close family members (e.g., spouses, parents, children) into the rehabilitation process. Greater emphasis should be placed on exploring and reinforcing positive experiences and attitudes associated with Sensory Loss during counselling/rehabilitation sessions. Improved education about Sensory Loss for both the general public and health care professionals could minimize the adverse outcomes associated with Sensory Loss.
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Older adults with dual Sensory Loss in rehabilitation show high functioning and may fare better than those with single Sensory Loss.
PloS one, 2020Co-Authors: Andrea Urqueta Alfaro, Dawn M. Guthrie, Cathy Mcgraw, Walter WittichAbstract:The population of older adults that have Dual Sensory Loss (DSL) is increasing, yet most research to date has focused on single Sensory impairment and is inconclusive as to whether DSL is associated with worse impact on health and well-being over single Sensory Loss. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the health and functioning of community-dwelling older adults with DSL who were receiving Sensory rehabilitation, using an understudied assessment: the interRAI Community Health Assessment (CHA). The secondary aim was to investigate whether older adults with DSL had worse health-related outcomes than their peers with only vision Loss (VL) or only hearing Loss (HL). We report and compare the interRAI CHA results in a sample of 200 older adults (61+ years of age) who had DSL, VL or HL. Overall, all Sensory impairment groups showed high functioning in the areas of cognition, communication, activities of daily living, depression, and psycho-social well-being. DSL was not always associated with worse outcomes compared to a single Sensory Loss. Rather, the results varied depending on the tasks assessed, as well as which groups were compared. Our findings highlight that despite the negative impact of Sensory Losses, community-dwelling older adults receiving Sensory rehabilitation services tend to have overall good health and a high level of independence. These results also show that DSL is not always associated with worse outcomes compared to a single Sensory Loss. Further research is needed to better characterize older adults with DSL who have more severe Sensory and cognitive difficulties than those in our sample, and among those who are not receiving rehabilitation services.
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interpersonal communication and psychological well being among couples coping with Sensory Loss the mediating role of perceived spouse support
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2019Co-Authors: Sofia Maria Hofsöe, Christine M. Lehane, Walter Wittich, Peter Hilpert, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:Couples who are willing to discuss Sensory Loss-related issues typically report better well-being, while couples who avoid such discussions tend to report poorer well-being. Inspired by the relatio...
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Couples coping with Sensory Loss: A dyadic study of the roles of self- and perceived partner acceptance.
British journal of health psychology, 2018Co-Authors: Christine M. Lehane, Tine Nielsen, Walter Wittich, Shelby L. Langer, Jesper DammeyerAbstract:OBJECTIVES Hearing-, vision-, and dual-Sensory Loss have been linked to relational and psychological distress among adults with Sensory Loss (AWSLs) and their spouses. Regardless, research on factors associated with couples' adjustment is lacking. This study examined the stability and strength of associations between self-acceptance of Sensory Loss, perceived partner acceptance of Sensory Loss, and relationship satisfaction and psychological distress among AWSLs and their spouses over time. DESIGN A total of 122 AWSLs and their spouses completed an online survey at two time points over a 6-month period. METHODS A multigroup (i.e., time 1 and time 2) actor-partner interdependence model assessed the stability and strength of actor and partner effects of self-acceptance and perceived partner acceptance on each partner's relationship satisfaction and psychological distress over time. RESULTS No moderation by time was identified, indicating stability in associations over the 6-month period. Overall, both actor and partner effects were evident. Specifically, self-acceptance among AWSLs was inversely associated with own psychological distress and the relationship satisfaction of spouses. Self-acceptance by spouses was inversely associated with the psychological distress of AWSLs and spouses. Perception of spouse acceptance by AWSLs was positively associated with own and spouse relationship satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting acceptance that incorporate a family systems perspective may be beneficial in alleviating psychological and relational distress among couples coping with Sensory Loss. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The experience of hearing and/or vision Loss has been linked to heightened distress both psychologically and within intimate relationships. Prior research has demonstrated a link between an individual's ability to accept their Sensory Loss and healthier well-being. What does this study add? This is the first dyadic study of Sensory Loss acceptance and its link to relationship satisfaction and distress. Acceptance operates interpersonally protecting against distress for those with Sensory Loss and their spouses. Perceiving that one's spouse accepts the Sensory Loss is important for both partner's relationship satisfaction.
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Associations between Sensory Loss and social networks, participation, support, and loneliness: Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 2018Co-Authors: Paul Mick, Maksim Parfyonov, Walter Wittich, Natalie A. Phillips, Dawn Guthrie, M. Kathleen Pichora-fullerAbstract:Abstract Objective To determine if hearing Loss, vision Loss, and dual Sensory Loss were associated with social network diversity, social participation, availability of social support, and loneliness, respectively, in a population-based sample of older Canadians and to determine whether age or sex modified the associations. Design Cross-sectional population-based study. Setting Canada. Participants The sample included 21 241 participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging tracking cohort. The sample was nationally representative of English- and French-speaking, non-institutionalized 45- to 89-year-old Canadians who did not live on First Nations reserves and who had normal cognition. Participants with missing data for any of the variables in the multivariable regression models were excluded from analysis. Main outcome measures Hearing and vision Loss were determined by self-report. Dual Sensory Loss was defined as reporting both hearing and vision Loss. Univariate analyses were performed to assess cross-sectional associations between hearing, vision, and dual Sensory Loss, and social, demographic, and medical variables. Multivariable regression models were used to analyze cross-sectional associations between each type of Sensory Loss and social network diversity, social participation, availability of social support, and loneliness. Results Vision Loss (in men) and dual Sensory Loss (in 65- to 85-year-olds) were independently associated with reduced social network diversity. Vision Loss and dual Sensory Loss (in 65- to 85-year-olds) were each independently associated with reduced social participation. All forms of Sensory Loss were associated with both low availability of social support and loneliness. Conclusion Sensory impairment is associated with reduced social function in older Canadians. Interventions and research that address the social needs of older individuals with Sensory Loss are needed.
Colette Joy Browning - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Older Women in Australia: Facing the Challenges of Dual Sensory Loss.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 2019Co-Authors: Chyrisse Heine, Cathy Honge Gong, Susan Ellen Feldman, Colette Joy BrowningAbstract:With the increase in longevity, the number of women living into old age is rising and higher than that of men. Data was derived from the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Ageing Program, which included 533 women and 467 men aged 65 years and older, in Australia, over 10 years. Logistic regression modeling was used to investigate the prevalence of dual Sensory Loss and the unmet needs for vision and hearing devices in older women (compared to men) over time, as well as its impacts on self-reported general health, depression, perceived social activities, community service use and ageing in place. Results suggested that the prevalence of dual Sensory Loss increased for women from the age of 75 years and over. Dual Sensory Loss was higher for older women and men who were living alone, with government benefits as their main income source or were divorced, separated or widowed. Dual Sensory Loss had significant impacts on poor general health, perceived inadequate social activities and community service use for women and men and on depression for women only. Early identification of dual Sensory Loss is essential to minimize its effects, ensuring continued well-being for this population.
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Dual Sensory Loss in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
The Gerontologist, 2015Co-Authors: Chyrisse Heine, Colette Joy BrowningAbstract:PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Combined vision and hearing Loss [dual Sensory Loss (DSL)] is commonly experienced by older adults. The literature on comorbidities and outcomes associated with DSL in older adults is limited and thus a systematic review was conducted to explore the existing research and identify gaps in the evidence base. DESIGN AND METHODS A review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. Forty-two articles were selected for review. RESULTS Although several studies evaluated DSL and its comorbidities and impacts, few fully met the criteria for good study design. Reviewed studies primarily investigated DSL and its comorbidities using cross-sectional methods and varying methods of vision and hearing assessment. Many of the studies were large population studies that did not provide sufficient information to draw valid conclusions about the impact of DSL in older adults. IMPLICATIONS Studies focusing specifically on Sensory Loss in older people across a broad age range are needed to inform clinical practice so that DSL and its impacts in older adults can be identified and managed, leading to improved quality of life for this population.
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Mental health and dual Sensory Loss in older adults: a systematic review
Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 2014Co-Authors: Chyrisse Heine, Colette Joy BrowningAbstract:Mental health is a core component of quality of life in old age. Dual Sensory Loss (DSL; combined vision and hearing Loss) is prevalent in older adults and has been correlated with decreased levels of well-being. This systematic review aimed to critically review and summarize the evidence from studies that examined the mental health of older adults with DSL. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement, specific databases were searched and eight articles were selected for final review. Seven studies investigated the association between DSL and depression or depressive symptoms, whilst one study explored the relationship between DSL and quality of life. No studies investigated the impact of DSL on anxiety. Overall, results of this review suggested that there is a significant relationship between DSL and decreased mental health with those with DSL either displaying depressive symptoms or being at risk for developing depression. Future research should focus on comparative studies of older people with and without Sensory Loss, as well as targeted studies of older people with dual Sensory Loss, that incorporate well-defined and valid measures of Sensory Loss and mental health.
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The communication and psychosocial perceptions of older adults with Sensory Loss: a qualitative study
Ageing and Society, 2004Co-Authors: Chyrisse Heine, Colette Joy BrowningAbstract:Sensory Loss (visual and/or hearing Loss) is prevalent in older adults. Decreased vision and/or hearing acuity often result in poor communication and psychosocial functioning. This qualitative study explores the communication and psychosocial perceptions of a group of older adults with single or dual Sensory Loss. The aims were to identify the communication difficulties and conversational strategies used by the subjects, and to explore their perceptions of their social adjustment, quality of life and physical and mental well-being. The participants were all older adults with Sensory Loss who attended the Vision Australia Foundation. In-depth interviews revealed that the participants experienced frequent communication difficulties. They identified the personal, situational and environmental triggers responsible for communication breakdown, and they described the compensation and avoidance strategies that they used. The participants acknowledged that frequent communication breakdown resulted in decreased socialisation. The problems of adjusting to Sensory Loss, depression, anxiety, lethargy and social dissatisfaction were cited as factors that affected their physical and mental well-being, while being optimistic, coping with their Sensory Loss, and maintaining social contact contributed to an improved quality of life. All participants expressed interest in being involved in further communication intervention programmes.
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communication and psychosocial consequences of Sensory Loss in older adults overview and rehabilitation directions
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2002Co-Authors: Chyrisse Heine, Colette Joy BrowningAbstract:With increasing longevity among populations, age-related vision and hearing impairments are becoming prevalent conditions in the older adult populations. In combination dual Sensory Loss occurs. Dual Sensory Loss is becoming a more common condition seen by clinicians and previous research has shown that 6% of non-institutionalized older adults had a dual Sensory impairment, whilst 70% of severely vision-impaired older adults also demonstrated a significant hearing Loss. Decreased vision and/or hearing acuity interferes with reception of the spoken message and hence people with Sensory Loss frequently experience communication breakdown. Many personal, situational and environmental triggers are also responsible for communication breakdown. Limited ability to improve communication performance frequently results in poor psychosocial functioning. Older adults with Sensory Loss often experience difficulty adjusting to their Sensory Loss. Depression, anxiety, lethargy and social dissatisfaction are often reporte...
Charles Gervais - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Ventral Abdominal Sensory Loss Is Common in Length Dependent Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy (P3.147)
Neurology, 2016Co-Authors: Benn E. Smith, Mark A. Ross, Brent P. Goodman, A. Arturo Leis, Charles GervaisAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, examination and electrophysiologic findings in a cohort of patients with length dependent sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (LDSMPN) with ventral abdominal Sensory Loss. BACKGROUND: LDSMPN affects the longest nerve fibers in the body, namely those innervating structures in the feet and hands. What is less well appreciated, and absent from the current literature, is that length dependent involvement of Sensory nerve fibers in LDSMPN from the thoracic segments gives rise to ventral abdominal Sensory Loss. DESIGN/METHODS: Consecutive patients seen for LDSMPN (n=15) were evaluated prospectively for the presence or absence of ventral abdominal Sensory Loss. Demographic variables, symptoms and quantitative neurologic findings (Neuropathy Impairment Score [NIS]) were examined using descriptive statistics. Final diagnoses were noted. RESULTS: Ventral abdominal Sensory Loss (which was asymptomatic in all patients tested) was documented in 11/15 LDSMPN patients (73.3[percnt]), mean age was 69.6 years (range 53-81), M:F gender ratio was 6:5, mean NIS was 13.4 (range 4-52), NCS/EMG abnormalities were found in 9/11 patients (the other 2 showing objective evidence of small fiber Sensory involvement). LDSMPN patients without ventral abdominal Sensory Loss (n=4) had a mean age of 59.8 (range 52-67), M:F of 4:0, and mean NIS of 31 (range 6-54). No patient (0/15) had dorsal torso Sensory Loss between the shoulder and buttock levels on either side. Diagnoses of the LDSMPN patients with ventral abdominal Sensory Loss included abnormal carbohydrate metabolism (n=3), idiopathic (n=3), inherited neuropathy (n=2), hypothyroidism (n=1), uremia (n=1), and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Ventral abdominal Sensory Loss appears to be common in patients diagnosed with LDSMPN of a variety of causes; 2) in addition to those innervating distal limb territories, distal Sensory fibers from the thoracic region represent another category of length dependent involvement in LDSMPN; 3) the clinical examination of LDSMPN should include the ventral abdomen. Disclosure: Dr. Smith has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity from Elsevier. Dr. Ross has received personal compensation for activities with Neuraltus. Dr. Goodman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gervais has nothing to disclose.
Eleanor S Mcconnell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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longitudinal association between hearing Loss vision Loss dual Sensory Loss and cognitive decline
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2021Co-Authors: Eleanor S Mcconnell, Wei Pan, Xinqi Dong, Brenda L PlassmanAbstract:BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To better understand the role of Sensory Loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, this study examined cognitive decline in relation to single modality hearing or vision Loss and dual Sensory Loss. DESIGN Longitudinal secondary data analysis. SETTING The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its supplement: The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS). PARTICIPANTS Individuals aged 73 and older (N = 295). MEASUREMENTS Hearing Loss was defined by an inability to hear sounds of 25 dB at frequencies between 0.5 and 4.0 kHz in either ear. Vision Loss was defined as having corrected binocular vision worse than 20/40. Dual Sensory Loss was defined as having both hearing and vision Loss. We used one time point of hearing and vision data objectively measured in ADAMS Wave C (June 2006-May 2008) and five waves of cognitive function data measured by the HRS version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status in HRS (2006-2014). Multilevel mixed models were used. RESULTS Among the participants, 271 completed a hearing assessment and 120 had hearing Loss; 292 completed a vision assessment and 115 had vision Loss; 52 had dual Sensory Loss. Older adults with hearing Loss had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they aged compared to those with normal hearing (β = -0.16, P < .05). No significant association was found between vision Loss and the rate of cognitive decline (β = -0.06, P = .41). Older adults who had dual Sensory Loss likewise had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they age (β = -0.23, P < .05) compared to those with no Sensory Loss. CONCLUSION Older adults with hearing Loss and dual Sensory Loss have faster rates of cognitive decline than those with normal Sensory function.
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Longitudinal Association Between Hearing Loss, Vision Loss, Dual Sensory Loss, and Cognitive Decline.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2020Co-Authors: Eleanor S Mcconnell, Wei Pan, Xinqi Dong, Brenda L PlassmanAbstract:BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To better understand the role of Sensory Loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, this study examined cognitive decline in relation to single modality hearing or vision Loss and dual Sensory Loss. DESIGN Longitudinal secondary data analysis. SETTING The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its supplement: The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS). PARTICIPANTS Individuals aged 73 and older (N = 295). MEASUREMENTS Hearing Loss was defined by an inability to hear sounds of 25 dB at frequencies between 0.5 and 4.0 kHz in either ear. Vision Loss was defined as having corrected binocular vision worse than 20/40. Dual Sensory Loss was defined as having both hearing and vision Loss. We used one time point of hearing and vision data objectively measured in ADAMS Wave C (June 2006-May 2008) and five waves of cognitive function data measured by the HRS version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status in HRS (2006-2014). Multilevel mixed models were used. RESULTS Among the participants, 271 completed a hearing assessment and 120 had hearing Loss; 292 completed a vision assessment and 115 had vision Loss; 52 had dual Sensory Loss. Older adults with hearing Loss had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they aged compared to those with normal hearing (β = -0.16, P
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LONGITUDINAL INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN Sensory Loss, SOCIAL SUPPORT, LONELINESS, AND COGNITION
Innovation in Aging, 2019Co-Authors: Wei Pan, Brenda L Plassman, Eleanor S McconnellAbstract:This study aims to understand the roles that psychosocial factors play on the longitudinal associations between Sensory (including hearing and vision) Loss and cognitive decline. Specifically, we hypothesized that (1) loneliness mediates the associations between Sensory Loss and cognitive decline; and (2) social support moderates the associations between Sensory Loss and cognitive decline. We used longitudinal parallel process (LPP) modeling with data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Aging, Demographics, and Memory study (ADAMS). Age variable centered at its mean age of 82. In the most parsimonious model, loneliness fully mediated the associations between vision Loss and the average cognitive status at age 82 (p < .05). Social support moderated the associations between vision Loss and the average cognitive status at age 82 (β= .14, p < .05). No moderation or mediation effect was found for the psychosocial factors on the associations between hearing Loss and cognition.
