Loneliness Increases Dementia Risk by 31%

When was the last time you heard your mother laugh with her friends? Or watched your father excitedly share stories over coffee with his old colleagues? For older people, these meaningful moments happen less frequently as their mobility declines due to aging. Recent research suggests this social disconnection could be far more serious than you thought.

Experts at the Florida State University College of Medicine found that loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia by 31% , a startling finding in a new study involving more than 600,000 people.

No, this isn’t just about living alone or having few social contacts. Someone can have an active social calendar and still feel profoundly lonely. The isolated feeling isn’t determined by the number of people surrounding someone living with dementia.

This article explores the impact of loneliness on brain health and some tips to maintain social connections and foster a thriving lifestyle throughout the golden years.

The Impact of Loneliness on Cognitive Health

Loneliness has always been associated with overall health. It affects your mood to do things that promote better well-being and self-care, such as exercise and eating nutritious food.

In this largest study of its kind, researchers analyzed data from 608,561 people worldwide. They discovered that loneliness elevates all-cause dementia risk by 31%, Alzheimer’s disease by 39%, vascular dementia by 74% and cognitive impairment by 15%.

One risk factor for loneliness is being alone, which happens to seniors who choose to live away from their loved ones. This type of living arrangement increases the risk of social isolation and loneliness that can turn chronic if not addressed. The consequences of this decision may not be apparent right away. The disconnected feeling gradually increases and takes a toll on their health over time.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Common indicators that an older relative may be experiencing loneliness include:

Reluctance to participate in previously enjoyed activities

Decreased interest in maintaining appearances or daily routines

Speaking less frequently about friends or social interactions

Spending more time watching TV or sleeping

Making fewer plans or showing less initiative in social situations

Each person experiences loneliness in different ways. Therefore, signs can vary. Lifestyle changes can also suggest your loved one feels lonely or socially isolated. They may:

Exercise too little or are living sedentary

Start smoking or abusing alcohol

Experience sleeping problems

All of these factors can raise their risk for cognitive impairment and other serious health concerns, like heart disease, obesity and weak immune system.

What You Can Do About It

While dementia has no cure, you can stave off loneliness and encourage your loved one to lead a more positive lifestyle. Here are some practical steps for them to stay socially connected.

1. Revive Old Connections

Instead of pushing for new friendships, help your aging parent rebuild old relationships. Create a list of people they used to spend time with, such as their colleagues, neighbors and community members. Then, reach out to them and suggest a quick catch-up in their favorite restaurant or location.

Sometimes, it takes a simple phone call to rekindle old friendships. Consider organizing small, manageable gatherings where everyone can meet up comfortably. Familiar faces will bring back cherished memories. Plus, they make socializing feel more natural and less overwhelming than meeting new people.

2. Look for Interest-based Groups

What were your loved one’s hobbies when they were younger? What's an interest that makes their eyes sparkle with joy? Is it gardening, painting or playing a guitar?

Adult daycare, senior centers, and religious and local communities often offer activities that promote socialization. Enroll your loved one on social programs that match their hobbies, whether music, yoga or learning a new language.

If they love to read books, look for local book clubs and inquire about membership qualifications. If they enjoy sharing their opinions, joining discussion groups will be perfect for them. Here, they can engage in stimulating conversations about topics they love to talk about, like business, climate change or politics.

Additionally, they can volunteer in a community garden if they want to experience growing their own food or share their gardening skills. Planting, digging and watering promote physical activity. Moreover, they offer a good opportunity for interaction with other volunteers. The key is finding purposeful activities to keep them engaged for the long term.

3. Leverage Technology In Several Ways

Smartphones are a powerful tool to engage and entertain your loved ones. One way to take advantage of technology is to set up regular video calls with family members. Create a schedule for these virtual catch-ups so they integrate seamlessly into your loved one’s routine.

If your aging parents don't know how to use communication apps, sign them up for a technology class session. It will help them discover all the impressive things their smartphones can do for them, such as monitoring their health or reminding them of their medication schedule.

Another way to meet new people using technology is to join online communities related to their interests. Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms have various support groups where members actively share tips or advice.

Additionally, consider setting up a family photo-sharing group where they can easily stay updated on family moments and milestones. This functionality is helpful if a family member lives abroad. A few taps on their phone will keep them in the loop of what their loved ones are up to.

Remember to keep technology simple and user-friendly. Focus on tools that enhance social connections.

4. Consider Pet Companionship

Having a furry friend around can emotionally and socially support seniors who live alone. Pets offer companionship and comfort for people who need them. They help cure loneliness.

Before adopting a pet, evaluate whether it would fit your relative's living situation, energy level and daily routine. Having a dog or a cat at home sounds like a great idea, but caring for one is a huge responsibility. Your parents must feed their pet on time or take it to vet visits. On top of that, it's a financial obligation as they must spend on their food and other needs.

If a pet will benefit your loved one, consider starting with a cat or a small dog that matches their lifestyle. Many shelters offer senior pet adoption programs that pair older adults with mature animals with calmer temperaments.

Alternatively, pet therapy programs can provide regular animal interaction without the full-time responsibility of pet ownership. They're a good option if your loved one isn't physically capable of caring for a new fur family member.

Reduce Loneliness to Prevent Dementia Risk

There’s no cure for dementia, but the factors that increase its risk are reversible. How? Spend more time with your loved ones, especially if they live independently. Ask them how they’re doing and if they feel well. Organize regular visits and make each moment with them meaningful. Little things count in ensuring they stay connected with the rest of the world. If it’s an option, consider adopting a pet. The unconditional love of a dog or a cat can treat sadness and loneliness.

Don’t wait for your loved one’s health to decline. Reach out to our dementia care experts at Senex Memory Advisors for advice on how to protect your loved one from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. We’re happy to help you in any way we can.

Syed Rizvi

Syed has years of experience dealing with people, understanding their needs, and helping them find solutions to their problems.
As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP), Syed is committed to working closely with Senior and their family knowing what is it like for individuals facing a challenging time, at times groping in dark trying to figure what is the appropriate next step or care level for their unique situation.
Syed and Senex Memory Advisors are fully committed to working closely with families in creating a personalized, step-by-step process memory care plan at zero cost.