Imagine your brain as a vast network of interconnected regions, each responsible for different functions. Just like how a close-knit group of friends can influence your well-being, scientists have discovered that the number of close friends (CFs) a person has can impact their cognition as they age. In a recent study, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to uncover the relationship between CFs, subclinical geriatric depression (SGD), and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). They found that SGD was inversely correlated with the number of CFs in individuals with SCD. Using the ReHo method to analyze MRI data, the study identified specific brain regions associated with SGD, namely the right occipital gyrus (SOG.R) and right fusiform gyrus (FFG.R). Further analysis showed that CFs mediated the relationship between FFG.R and SGD, which in turn affected the abnormality of SOG.R and contributed to SCD. These findings shed light on how social relationships can shape brain function and suggest that SGD may serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline. In fact, having a larger social network appears to reduce the risk of developing SGD. To dive deeper into this fascinating research, check out the full article!

The relationship between geriatric depression and dementia has been widely debated, and the neurological mechanisms underlying subjective cognitive decline (SCD) associated with social relationships remain elusive. Subclinical geriatric depression (SGD) is common in patients with SCD, and close friends (CFs) have a great influence on a person’s social life. Studies have proven that communication or leisure activities with CFs can improve the cognitive performance of elderly. However, it remains unclear whether the engagement of specific brain regions mediates having CFs, SGD, and SCD. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between social relationships (that is, CFs), SGD, and SCD from the perspective of brain function. We examined the data of 66 patients with SCD and 63 normal controls (NC). Compared with NC, SGD was significantly inversely correlated with the number of CFs in the SCD group. We calculated regional homogeneity (ReHo) of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of each subject. At a corrected threshold, the right occipital gyrus (SOG.R) and right fusiform gyrus (FFG.R) exhibited positive correlation with SGD in patients with SCD. Mediation analyses to query the inter-relationships between the neural markers and clinical variables exhibited a best fit of the model with CFs → FFG.R → SGD → SOG.R → SCD. These findings suggested a pathway whereby social relationships alter the function of specific brain regions, and SGD may be an early symptom of SCD. We observed that the FFG.R mediate social relationships and SGD, and the abnormality of the SOG.R may be a key factor in the SCD caused by depression. Moreover, a greater number of CFs may reduce the risk of developing SGD.

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