What to Know About the Connection Between Dementia Risk and Social Connection
Dementia is a common condition, currently affecting several million Americans. It most frequently occurs in people aged 65 and older, but dementia is not simply a “normal” part of aging—although that has been a widely held misconception in the past. Alzheimer's disease represents the majority of dementia cases, while other forms of the condition include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
In simple terms, dementia is caused when brain cells are damaged or destroyed—but there are a wide variety of conditions and circumstances that can play a role in this process. With Alzheimer’s disease, for example, researchers believe high levels of certain types of proteins in and around brain cells have a critical impact, while things like depression, use of alcohol and certain medications, vitamin deficiencies and other health conditions have also been named as potential risk factors for dementia.
Related: How Much Does Sleep Actually Impact Dementia Risk? Brain Health Experts Explain
The Link Between Social Connections and Dementia Risk
There’s something else that may impact your risk of dementia: the strength and breadth of your social community. Yuko Hara, Ph.D., Director of Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) notes that social isolation has been identified as a risk factor for dementia, and people who experience loneliness or have fewer social connections have an increased risk of dementia.
Jessica Caldwell, Ph.D., Director of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement Prevention Center at Cleveland Clinic, says social connections are important both before and after a dementia diagnosis. “For people at risk, keeping up your social ties can be part of a healthy lifestyle that will support your brain health for life,” Caldwell says. “People with dementia also benefit from social connection—it provides emotional well-being, mental stimulation and stress relief, and may also be combined with other healthy behaviors, such as exercising or eating well.”
Related: Doing This One Thing Every Day Could Lower Your Risk of Dementia
Self-Isolation Can Be Detrimental to Those with Dementia
Experts say it’s common for people to withdraw from their friends and loved ones immediately after receiving a dementia diagnosis, but that’s actually the opposite of what they should do. “An ability to be open and supported can reduce feelings of shame or loneliness,” says Caldwell. “Early on, people diagnosed with mild cognitive changes or dementia may feel that they do not want others to know about their condition. My strong suggestion is that [people with dementia] and their families find a core group of trusted friends or family members to disclose their condition to, and make sure those folks are educated on dementia.”
It's also imperative that any medical barriers that may hamper a person with dementia’s ability to communicate be addressed as quickly as possible. “Another important challenge to act on is hearing loss,” says Caldwell. “People with and without dementia tend to avoid social situations when they can't hear. Treating hearing loss can reduce dementia risk and also increase a person's ability to socialize.”
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What Research Says About Dementia Risk and Social Connection
Research studies support the experts’ view on the role social connections play in possibly lowering the risk of developing dementia, while also improving the quality of life for those who have the condition. “In recent years, many studies have looked at social ties and what they can do for people with dementia and other diseases,” says Caldwell. “Some have shown that a strong social network can be protective against developing dementia, and others have shown that good social support from family and friends can increase the odds that a person will follow their doctor's recommendations.”
Hara points to a recent research study in this area which analyzed data from 13 longitudinal cohort studies and found that good social connections are associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment.
Make Social Connections a Priority at Any Age
Many Americans have busy lifestyles that often don’t leave room for building social connections, but experts stress the importance of maintaining social bonds or creating new ones. “As we age, particularly if we change where we live, social ties can become more distant and networks will change,” says Caldwell. “I encourage people who are aging to make forming friendships or finding [new] acquaintances a priority as networks change.”
Next up, find out why taking this one supplement may lower your dementia risk by 40%.
Sources:
Yuko Hara, Ph.D., Director of Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
Jessica Caldwell, Ph.D., Director of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement Prevention Center at Cleveland Clinic