There is a clear correlation between loneliness and risk of dementiashows a new American scientific research. People under the age of 80 who experience loneliness are about three times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
The researchers, led by Assistant Professor of Neurology Joel Salinas of New York University School of Medicine, published their findings in the Journal of Neurology of the American Academy of Neurology. 2,308 people with an average age of 73 years, without dementia at the beginning of the study. From them, the 144 stated that they felt lonely at least three days a week.
In the course of a decade of research, 329 people were diagnosed with dementia and of these 31 belonged to the group of those with loneliness. It was found that between the ages of 60 and 80, a person with loneliness was almost three times more likely to develop dementia, which did not seem to be the case for those over 80.
Loneliness also appeared to be associated with worse cognitive performance (mind control, decision making, cognitive flexibility, planning ability, etc.) and lower brain volume, two factors that are at higher risk for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s later in life.
“This study highlights the importance of loneliness and the lack of social connection in relation to the risk of developing dementia as we age. Early recognition of the signs of loneliness in ourselves and others, the development and maintenance of supportive relationships, is important for all and “But for those who feel lonely, however, it is very important as we grow older, to increase the likelihood of delaying or perhaps preventing cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Salinas.
“The new study reminds us that if we want to prioritize brain health, we can not ignore psychosocial factors such as loneliness,” he added. The researchers also noted that since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, loneliness has worsened and become more common in people over 60 years of age.
Link to the scientific publication: https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2022/02/07/WNL.0000000000200039
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