Social Engagement May Sustain Brain Health Function

TUESDAY, Aug. 18, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Greater engagement in social activities at baseline is associated with greater preservation of brain function over time in older adults, according to a study published online Aug. 12 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Cynthia Felix, M.D., M.P.H., from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues used data from 6,084 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries participating in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011 to 2019) to examine domain-specific cognitive benefits of social engagement. The Felix social engagement index was used to capture brain structure-informed social engagement in nine types of social activities, including: whether participants were married, living with others, driving places, going out for entertainment, participating in clubs or classes, attending religious services, visiting family and friends, working for pay, or performing volunteer work.

The researchers found that higher baseline social engagement was associated with attenuation of aging effects over eight years for memory (β = 0.14), orientation (β = 0.14), and executive function (β = 0.05). Incrementally greater cognitive benefits in all domains were seen for higher quartiles of social engagement, indicating broader endorsement of multiple activities.

“By linking measurable social behaviors to specific brain systems and long-term cognitive health, this work provides a biological foundation for social prescribing,” Felix said in a statement. “It helps clinicians and communities recommend targeted social activities as part of healthy aging and dementia prevention.”

Abstract/Full Text