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Scientists explained: Loneliness increases the risk of dementia!

byadmin
October 21, 2024

A new study has revealed that loneliness increases the risk of dementia by 31 percent in middle age and old age. The study, conducted on 609 thousand people, states that loneliness is also linked to cognitive decline and that this risk is especially higher for older individuals with diabetes or obesity. Experts drew attention to the importance of strengthening social ties in order to reduce the effects of loneliness on dementia.

According to a study conducted on approximately 600 thousand people worldwide, loneliness in middle age and old age increases the risk of dementia by 31 percent. Dementia, which affects approximately 7.9 million people in the European Union (EU), has no cure yet.
The study emphasizes that loneliness is associated not only with social relationships, but also with genetic and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking and alcohol use. The research published in the journal Nature Mental Health shows that loneliness increases the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. It is also stated that this risk is higher for older individuals with diabetes or obesity.
It has also been found that loneliness increases the risk of cognitive impairment by 15 percent. This refers to deterioration in general cognitive functions such as memory loss, decision-making and concentration problems. The study highlights the critical role of loneliness in the development of dementia, taking into account other potential risk factors such as depression and social isolation.
The study, conducted by researchers from Ireland, Switzerland, France, the US and China, brings together data from 21 aging studies. As part of the study, participants were asked about their feelings of loneliness, and some also rated the intensity of their loneliness. Across the European Union, 35 percent of people say they feel lonely at least some of the time.
“There are different types and sources of loneliness that can affect cognitive symptoms along the dementia continuum,” said Martina Luchetti, lead author of the study, noting the effects of loneliness on cognitive health.
Previous research has linked loneliness to health problems such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. The researchers stressed that it is important to investigate why people feel lonely in order to intervene in the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. “Addressing loneliness by promoting a sense of connectedness may be protective for cognitive health later in life,” Luchetti said.
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