People experiencing loneliness have an increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive disorders, according to a recent study.
Researchers found that individuals who feel lonely face a more than 30% increased risk of succumbing to dementia compared to those who do not report feeling lonely. The authors compiled data from numerous prior studies as part of a larger meta-analysis. A questionnaire assessed loneliness, probing participants about feelings of neglect and isolation.
This is not the first time loneliness has been linked to the condition.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website says loneliness is correlated with dementia, as well as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Earlier this year, The Dallas Express reported on a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association that revealed one out of every three Americans feel lonely at least once a week.
Study author Martina Luchetti, an assistant professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, said she and her research team conducted the largest-ever meta-analysis on the connection between dementia and loneliness, per PsyPost. The massive assessment used data from over 600,000 individuals and 21 longitudinal studies.
Notably, the link between loneliness and dementia was roughly comparable to other behavioral risk factors, like smoking and physical inactivity. Exercise, for example, has been shown to positively impact memory center growth, improved neurological connections, and overall brain function.
While genetics are thought to play a role in dementia, Dr. Anna Tseng, a neurologist with Texas Health Dallas, told KERA that nearly half of the risk factors for the condition are controllable by maintaining physical health, engaging in cognitive stimulation, like crossword puzzles, and of course, maintaining social engagement to combat loneliness.
“More work should be directed to identify the frequency, intensity, and types of loneliness over time and how transitions in and out of loneliness affect cognitive health,” Luchetti said, per PsyPost.