Cognition and perceived social support among live-alone urban elders

The relationship of cognition to perceived social support (PSS) was examined in a sample of 788 older medical patients who lived alone before admission to the hospital. Most of the patients were African American, and a majority (54.3%) was classified as cognitively impaired based on their performance on the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. Compared with cognitively intact elders, impaired participants reported lower overall PSS as well as lower PSS in their relationships with friends and significant others. These findings suggest that cognitive functioning is an important factor in influencing older, medically ill African Americans' perceived social support. Possible risk factors for low PSS and the role of cognition in friendship and maintenance of a social support network are discussed.