Examining social networks, social support, and relationship quality as protective factors for neurocognitive health in individuals who are homeless or precariously housed

Social connectedness contributes to cognitive reserve (CR) in the context of aging, but its role in predicting neurocognitive functioning in adults who are unstably housed is unknown. This study examined cross-sectional associations between dimensions of social connectedness and domains of neurocognitive functioning in a sample of adults experiencing homelessness or precarious housing. HIV infection, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and psychotic disorder were analyzed as moderating clinical risk factors. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that available social network size significantly predicted verbal memory performance. HIV moderated the association between relationship conflict and verbal memory, and the association between social network size and cognitive flexibility. Neither social support nor relationship conflict predicted neurocognitive functioning. Neither TBI nor psychotic disorder moderated any associations. The present findings elucidate the role of social connectedness in contributing to CR in this marginalized population and provide support for social-oriented interventions to preserve their neurocognitive health.