Is social functioning in older age patients with bipolar disorder associated with affective and/or non‐affective cognition?

Abstract

Objectives Previous research showed impairments in non‐affective cognition, affective cognition, and social functioning in adult patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Only 37% of adult BD patients recovers in social functioning, and both aspects of cognition are important constructs of influence. The role of affective cognition in older age bipolar disorder (OABD) patients is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the separate and combined effects of affective cognition and non‐affective cognition on social functioning. Methods The current study included 60 euthymic patients (aged >60) of the Dutch Older Bipolar Study. Affective cognition was measured by Theory of Mind and Emotion Recognition. Non‐affective cognition was assessed through the measurements of attention, learning and memory, and executive functioning. Social functioning was examined through global social functioning, social participation, and meaningful contacts. The research questions were tested with linear and ordinal regression analyses. Results Results showed a positive association of all non‐affective cognitive domains with global social functioning. Associations between affective cognition and social functioning were non‐significant. Results did show an interaction between non‐affective and affective cognition. Conclusions Associations between non‐affective cognition and social functioning were confirmed, associations between affective cognition and social function were not found. For generalizability, studies with a greater sample size are needed. Conducting additional research about OABD patients and affective cognition is important. It may lead to more insight in impairment and guide tailored treatment that focusses more on all aspects of recovery and the needs of OABD patients.

Older Age Bipolar Disorder

“…Greater somatic burden was not associated with reduced functioning in the full GAGE-BD sample [13 & ]. In a small DOBi study (N ¼ 60), nonaffective cognitive impairment was associated with worse social functioning, but this was not the case for affective cognition [45].…”

Older age bipolar disorder

“…Greater somatic burden was not associated with reduced functioning in the full GAGE-BD sample [ 13 ▪ ]. In a small DOBi study ( N = 60), nonaffective cognitive impairment was associated with worse social functioning, but this was not the case for affective cognition [ 45 ].…”

Functioning in older adults with bipolar disorder: A report on recommendations by the International Society of bipolar disorder (ISBD) older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD) task force

“…58,59,13 Specifically, impairments in attention, verbal memory, and executive functions have been associated with poorer social functioning as measured by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and the FAST-O subscales. 60,61…”

“…Social functioning, understood as those capacities or abilities to maintain, establish, and participate in social activities and interpersonal relationships, is one of the areas commonly affected by cognitive dysfunction 58,59,13 . Specifically, impairments in attention, verbal memory, and executive functions have been associated with poorer social functioning as measured by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and the FAST‐O subscales 60,61 …”