Does chronic loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of dementia?

As health problems that individuals living alone may face come to the agenda with the increase in the elderly population in Turkey, Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Lecturer Müge Yaşar drew attention to the effects of chronic loneliness and social isolation on brain and mental health. Stating that chronic loneliness and social isolation in elderly individuals can increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50 percent, Yaşar stated that it is associated with a 35 percent increase in the risk of all-cause mortality.

Physical and Mental Effects of Social Isolation

Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Lecturer Müge Yaşar emphasized that living alone, feeling lonely, and social isolation are distinct concepts. Stating that not every elderly individual living alone is absolutely in the psychiatric risk group, Yaşar noted that a strong social network, mental pursuits, and physical activity can protect health. On the other hand, she stated that the narrowing of the social circle due to the loss of a spouse, retirement, and chronic diseases can increase the risk of isolation. Yaşar conveyed that in a report published in the USA, chronic social isolation was compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day in terms of the risk of premature death.

The Relationship Between Dementia and Depression

Stating that social interaction is important for brain health, Yaşar expressed that current research reveals that chronic loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of dementia in elderly individuals by 50 percent. Stating that the noticing of forgetfulness and cognitive changes in individuals living alone may be delayed, Yaşar reported that depression in advanced age can manifest itself with memory problems and mental slowing, leading to a pseudodementia picture. She emphasized that constant fatigue, prolonged sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, lack of motivation, and persistent body pains should not be seen as a natural consequence of aging and overlooked.