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May 7, 2026Journal of Aging and Health0 citations

Social Connectedness and Cognitive Function in Later Life: GrimAge as an Epigenetic Mediating Pathway

LSLayla Katharine Santana SPSiyun Peng HMHongdao MENG

Key Points

To investigate the relationship between social connectedness and cognitive function in later life, with a focus on epigenetic mediation.
Modeled social connectedness as a latent factor using participation, isolation, and loneliness.
Assessed four DNA methylation clocks in 2016 and cognitive function in 2018.
Employed survey-weighted regression-with-residuals mediation models adjusted for various socio-demographics.
Lower social connectedness predicted poorer cognitive function in 2018.
DNAmGrimAge provided specific evidence for mediation, accounting for approximately 16%.
Indirect effects via other DNA methylation clocks were not supported.

Abstract

= 1,574; mean age = 68.5), we modeled 2014 social connectedness as a latent factor (participation, isolation, loneliness), assessed four DNA methylation clocks in 2016 (DNAmGrimAge, DunedinPoAm, DNAmPhenoAge, Zhang), and cognition in 2018. Survey-weighted regression-with-residuals mediation models adjusted for socio-demographics, smoking, obesity, self-rated health, heart disease, baseline cognition, and complex design.ResultsLower social connectedness predicted poorer 2018 cognition (ATE ≈ -0.047 to -0.048 across models, p .05).DiscussionFindings provide limited, clock-specific support for epigenetic mediation, with preliminary evidence implicating DNAmGrimAge.

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