| Abstract: | Objective: The present study investigated the relationships between structural and qualitative aspects of social support, combat‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive status in a New Zealand veterans sample. Methods: A random sample of 232 New Zealand veterans completed a self‐report questionnaire and participated in a face‐to‐face interview. Results: Regression analysis showed that when controlling for age, income, education, depression and general health, PTSD scores had a negative relationship with cognitive status. Those who reported having private, restricted social networks had poorer cognitive functioning. These relationships were independent of each other. Conclusions: The findings suggest that while social support might be a potential target for interventions in at‐risk older adults, health professionals need to be aware of the concomitant possible influence of past trauma when dealing with this specific population. |
