This proposal aims to examine the associations of psychosocial risk factors (e.g., depressive symptoms, loneliness, and/or social isolation) on subsequent heart and brain health, using both traditional, individual-based epidemiological and dyadic study designs (e.g., partner influences). Given prior work on partner influences of psychosocial and other health-related risk factors on health outcomes within spousal dyads, we aim to examine how these associations may be differentially linked within spousal dyads using novel dyadic methods. In addition, we plan to examine the interplay of genetics, molecular biomarkers and social factors to improve our understanding of the mind-body connection in large, population-based studies.
Aim 1: Examine the association of psychosocial risk factors with subsequent heart and brain health measures. Based on preliminary results, we will expand analyses to examine potential intermediate pathways and interactions with social factors, and longitudinal associations with repeated outcome measures. Additionally, as relevant, we will consider the role of genetic factors on the association for psychosocial risk factors and related health outcomes.
Aim 2: Examine the potential role of partner influences on established associations (or as a result of Aim 1) of psychosocial risk factors and subsequent heart and brain health outcomes. Given that psychosocial risk factors in older adults are more likely influenced primarily by their spouses or cohabiting partners and are closely intertwined with social connections, we will further examine how these associations may be influenced by spousal characteristics. In particular, we aim to examine whether there may be transmission of psychosocial influences from spousal or cohabiting partners that results in risk for one’s health outcomes, above and beyond an individual’s own psychosocial risk factors.