Loneliness and social isolation over the long term can have real impacts on brain health. While everyone can experience these feelings in the short term, don't let them fester and persist.
Have there ever been moments when you felt alone in the world? Without friends? Probably, we all experience these feelings at some moment in our lives, however and very fortunately, moments of “loneliness and social isolation" are short lived and attached to specific and fleeting circumstances that resolve.
However persistent “loneliness and social isolation" can impact brain health. This unrelenting type of “loneliness” is a state of mind that causes distress in which we realize that the relationships we have are not exactly the ones we aspire to or desire.
Although it can strike at any age, epidemiologic studies show that there are 3 peaks in life: youth ~ (20s), middle age ~ (50s) and late life ~ (80s).
According to some recent research, loneliness is also on he rise in the US with an average of 1 in 3 adults aged 50 or more reporting that they experience this condition, “loneliness” and social isolation on a regular basis.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Association show that loneliness could be worse for our health than alcohol abuse, obesity, or even smoking. Here is a link if you would like to read the article.
And, another found on the the National Library of Medicine.
Back in 2017, the U.S. Surgeon General called the rising number of lonely people a silent epidemic, and in 2023, he released a document in which loneliness was described as a public health crisis.
This evidence is somewhat troubling because we are by nature social creatures, and human connectivity is hard-wired in our brains. Loneliness or social isolation isn’t good or healthy for anyone and it certainly isn’t good for your brain.
Studies focusing on the neurobiology of loneliness showed that it is associated with abnormal brain structure in both the white and gray matter, together with abnormal brain activity in several regions, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
Loneliness and social isolation can also directly and negatively influence brain health with negative consequences on cognitive functions and memory. A study following older adults for 12 years demonstrated that individuals experiencing social isolation showed signs of cognitive decline at a rate that was 20% faster than people who were not experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Poor social connections and feelings of isolation lead to a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults, based on the Surgeon General’s advice. And social isolation is recognized as one of the modifiable risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
If you or someone you know feels lonely, don’t give up or give in and turn inward.
Rather, try to reconnect with others and strengthen your social bonds by following one of these strategies:
Become involved with groups — such as religious, educational, or social organizations.
Look for a local book club if you enjoy reading. Often, local libraries offer book discussion groups or author events. Join or participate when you can.
Reach out and make an extra effort to connect with family and friends.
Consider getting a pet if you like animals. Having a dog, a cat, or any other animal can make you feel more connected. Just be sure to consider the care that is required and be sure that works with your lifestyle and budget.
Seek help from a mental health professional, who can guide you with additional strategies to help you cope with loneliness and social isolation. This can be an excellent resource for positive connection.
Facing and dealing successfully loneliness/social isolation is important for brain health. Reconnecting and overcoming these feelings long term will be highly beneficial for your physical health, cognitive function, and brain wellness so pay attention to your mental health.
Feelings of loneliness and social isolation can occur to anyone for short moments in our lives. But long-term and sustained periods can certainly affect brain health and physical health. Be cognizant of how you feel and reach out. In tandem, if you know of a loved one who might be experiencing loneliness or is socially isolated, make contact and engage.
If you are interested in reading more of my blogs:
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
Connect with Dr. Domenico Pratico through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Medium.
Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
Comments