Scientists reveal the only practice that could prevent dementia as we age
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Lack of socialization may be a major risk factor for neurological disorders in older adults.
New research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, has considered how “social frailty” may predict dementia.
The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, analyzed data from 851 people aged 70 and over in suburban Sydney who did not have dementia at the time.
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The researchers assessed social frailty using measures of social support, frequency of social interactions, sense of purpose, participation in community or volunteer activities, and the individual’s perceived social roles and connectedness, according to a news release.
Based on this analysis, participants were classified as socially fragile, pre-frail, or non-frail.
The researchers considered levels of social connectedness among almost 900 older Australians. (iStock)
The participants were followed for more than 12 years and underwent neuropsychological testing every two years to diagnose any new cases of dementia. The researchers adjusted for other factors such as physical frailty, psychological frailty and health history.
The study concluded that social frailty was associated with an increased risk of dementia, with socially fragile people facing approximately 47% higher risk compared to those in the non-frail group.
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For most socially fragile people, the factors that were most strongly associated with this risk included low financial and family satisfaction, infrequent social contact, and limited participation in social activity.
Study co-author and clinical psychologist Dr Suraj Samtani, a UNSW Sydney postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Healthy Brain Aging, emphasized the consequences of aging for people who lack social connections.
“Social isolation is the biggest risk factor for dementia” late in life, the lead researcher said. (iStock)
“In midlife, it is very important to prevent and control risk factors such as hearing loss and metabolic syndromes such as hypertension and diabetes,” he said in the news release. “But in old age, social isolation is the biggest risk factor for dementia.”
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In an interview with News Digital, co-author and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Annabel Matison noted that the study population was “generally healthy, well-educated and Caucasian.”
While researchers would like to confirm these findings among a broader group, Matison commented that the strength of the association between socialization and cognitive decline is “noteworthy.”
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“We hope these findings raise awareness that poor social connections, resources and support are risk factors for dementia,” she said. “We encourage older adults to stay socially active with family, friends and neighbors, and to consider volunteering.”
Age slowly and stay active
Another recent study by researchers at Cornell University found that social relationships can actually slow cellular aging.
The study’s lead author, Anthony Ong, professor of psychology and director of the Human Health Laboratories at the New York School of Human Ecology, shared with News Digital how the “depth and coherence” of social connection across the lifespan “matters deeply.”
“Strong social bonds appear to work in the background for many years, building a more resilient body by reducing chronic low-grade inflammation that is a key driver of accelerated aging,” he said.
According to experts, staying socially engaged and attached to your loved ones is key to healthy aging. (iStock)
In a previous interview with News Digital, longevity experts David Cravit and Larry Wolf, the Canadian authors of “The SuperAging Workbook,” shared various aspects of “superaging,” including attachment to others.
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“I am blessed to have been married to the same wonderful lady for almost 60 years,” Wolf said. “Cultivating contact with the people you love, with the people you like and expanding your social network are very critical aspects.”
Experts noted that physical and mental exercise is also crucial to keeping the brain young and alert.
The ‘loneliness epidemic’
Multiple studies have shown that loneliness can be dangerous for human health. In fact, a previous Harvard study found that feeling lonely is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
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U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an updated advisory on the loneliness epidemic in September, reporting a growing decline in social connectedness, especially among young people.
Americans have fewer friends than ever, especially among younger groups, the surgeon general warns. (iStock)
Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics in California, also commented on the serious impact that loneliness can have on human health.
“The number of friends people have has fallen 40% since 1990,” he said in a previous interview with News Digital. “Why? We’re more connected online, but we’re more disconnected in person.”
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“Loneliness increases stress hormones, making you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression, and it’s just bad for you,” she continued.
“When you’re face-to-face with real people, your brain has to work a lot harder, which is ultimately exercising your brain.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.