Systemic inflammatory markers and sources of social support among older adults in the Memory Research Unit cohort

Abstract

Potential associations between systemic inflammation and social support received by a sample of 120 older adults were examined here. Inflammatory markers, cognitive function, social support and psychosocial wellbeing were evaluated. A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyse the data. The model was a good fit ${\chi }_{108}^2=256.13$ , p < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.973; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.962; root mean square error of approximation = 0.021; standardised root mean-square residual = 0.074). Chemokine levels were associated with increased age (β = 0.276), receipt of less social support from friends (β = −0.256) and body mass index (β = −0.256). Results are discussed in relation to social signal transduction theory.