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science

Seniors who are socially isolated are 28% more likely to develop dementia.

By Andrea Hargraves
Seniors who are socially isolated are 28% more likely to develop dementia.

for every

Southern Newsroom

| January 26, 2023

A new study suggests that loneliness increases the risk of dementia among older adults. (photo: clone)

Seniors who are socially isolated have a 28% higher risk of developing dementia than others, according to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins (USA) and published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Social isolation is generally defined as having few social relationships and few people to interact with on a regular basis.

The study included 5022 US residents aged 65 or older (the average age of the participants was 76) who did not have dementia at baseline and did not live in a nursing home or other institution. About 23% were considered socially withdrawn, but most of the participants (77%) were not.

Over the course of nine years, all participants were screened and given periodic cognitive tests. About 26% of those who were socially isolated developed dementia, compared to 20% of those who were not.

The study found no significant differences by race or ethnicity. Nor did it focus on why or how social isolation increased the prevalence of dementia. Prolonged social isolation has been linked to proven physical and mental health risk factors, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, decreased cognitive activity and dementia, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Ten symptoms of dementia: memory loss; difficulties with usual tasks; Language problems Confusion in space and time. withdrawal from work and social life; poor or diminished judgment; Difficulty with abstract concepts. change of location of objects difficulty understanding visual information and spatial relationships; Mood and personality changes.

Health services are available

In addition, people who are socially isolated are less likely to benefit from health services available to older Americans, such as the Eldercare Locator — an aging management program that connects older adults and their families to available services.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says social isolation affects nearly a quarter of Americans age 65 or older. According to the agency, about 6 million Americans suffer from the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.