Social Isolation Linked to Dementia in Older Adults, Study Shows

• New research shows socially isolated people may be at higher risk of dementia.
  
• Aside from dementia, social isolation has previously been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and depression.
• An expert explains how social interaction can slow the progression of memory loss.

                                                      

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that social isolation was linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. The study followed 5,022 dementia-free U.S. adults who were 65 or older—with an average age of 76—and not living in a residential care facility. About 23% of participants were socially isolated.

Social isolation was measured based on whether or not participants lived alone, talked about “important matters” with two or more people in the past year, attended religious services, or participated in social events. Participants were assigned one point for each item, and those who scored a zero or one were classified as socially isolated.

Over the course of nine years, researchers periodically administered cognitive tests to the participants. Overall, about 21% of the study participants developed dementia. But among those who were socially isolated, around 26% developed dementia—compared to slightly less than 20% for those who were not socially isolated.

According to the study, among older adults in the U.S., social isolation is common—1 in 4 adults experience social isolation. Aside from dementia, social isolation has previously been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So why do social connections matter?

Socializing requires many areas of the brain to be actively used, says Amit Sachdev, M.D., medical director for the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology at Michigan State University. “The best way to prevent dementia is to actively use the brain and to maintain good overall health.”

And in regards to dementia risk, social engagement can slow the progression of memory loss. “In memory loss, we often measure a person’s orientation to themselves, their location and the date,” explains Dr. Sachdev. “Social interactions require agreed-upon locations, dates, and times.”

What to take away from this study

Although significant research already exists to back up the links between social isolation and various health concerns, there are still some important factors to keep in mind when it comes to this study. One key aspect to consider is how people socialize differs based on their background, explains Dr. Sachdev, “There may be more beneficial activities based on individual circumstances.” Therefore, we need to learn more about personalizing the various kinds of social interactions that different people may have.

As for how those around you can help mitigate your chances of developing dementia, interacting with other people matters a great deal. Any effort that friends and family members can put forth should be considered a worthwhile effort, says Dr. Sachdev. “What you can do makes a difference.”

And while researchers continues look for answers to dementia, there’s still no cure. That said, “a healthy body often supports a healthy brain,” notes Dr. Sachdev. He adds that “controlling what you can in managing diet, exercise, sleep, and stress is the best approach.”