Loneliness may be eroding older adults' memory, new research reveals
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- A study of over 10,000 older adults across 12 European countries found that higher loneliness levels were linked to poorer memory performance at the start but did not accelerate memory decline over seven years.
- Researchers suggest loneliness may affect the initial state of memory rather than the rate of cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for cognitive health.
- Loneliness was associated with other health conditions like depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes, indicating it may be part of a cluster of health risks rather than a direct cause of cognitive decline.
- Experts caution that loneliness likely impacts brain health earlier in life and emphasize that social engagement remains crucial for maintaining cognitive function in older age.
- The study recommends incorporating loneliness screening into routine cognitive assessments to better support healthy aging.
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