Social Isolation Increases Risk of Dementia in Elderly, Experts Recommend Ways to Prevent

Japanese psychiatrists recommend that older adults stimulate their brains by learning and staying curious to prevent dementia. Shutterstock

It’s common for older adults to feel lonely or isolated as they age. About 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 is socially isolated. A recent study has also found that chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia. To counter this, Japanese psychiatric experts recommend that older adults prevent dementia by learning and staying curious to stimulate their brains.

The global population is experiencing an increase in life expectancy. In 2021, there were 761 million people over the age of 65 worldwide, and this figure is predicted to reach 1.6 billion by 2050.

However, a report published by the World Health Organization in 2021 indicates that dementia is becoming a primary concern for older adults. The report states that 55 million people, 8.1 percent of women and 5.4 percent of men over 65, currently have dementia. This number is expected to increase to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.

Socially Isolated Older Adults at Increased Risk of Dementia

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, tracked 5,022 adults aged 65 and older for nine years. The study found that out of 5,022 older adults, 1,172 (23.3 percent) reported being socially isolated, and 3,850 (76.7 percent) didn’t.

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After adjusting for demographic and health factors, individuals who were socially isolated had a 28 percent (95 percent CI: 1.10–1.49) higher risk of developing dementia over a period of nine years than those who weren’t.

“Having fewer opportunities to socialize with others decreases cognitive engagement as well, potentially contributing to increased risk of dementia,” Alison Huang told Science Daily. Huang holds a doctorate in mental health and is a senior research associate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. A study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia in 2021 analyzed the health data of middle-aged adults aged 45 to 64 over an 18-year period and found that persistent feelings of loneliness significantly increased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Simple Communication Technology Can Prevent Social Isolation

According to another study by Johns Hopkins University, older adults who weren’t socially isolated were found to be using communication technologies such as email or text messaging through a mobile phone or computer to interact with others. The study concluded that the risk of social isolation among these seniors was approximately 30 percent lower than among those who didn’t have access to such communication technology.

Mfon Umoh, a postdoctoral researcher in geriatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said she believes that the use of simple communication technologies can play a vital role in protecting older adults against social isolation, which is associated with significant health risks. Digital interactions, however, aren’t a perfect replacement for face-to-face interactions.

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Japanese Experts Recommend Methods to Prevent Dementia

Hideki Wada, an authority on psychiatry in Japan and professor of psychology at the International University of Health and Welfare, writes that to prevent dementia, one must find ways to activate the brain. But socializing isn’t the only way to stimulate the brain. There are many ways to prevent dementia, and the one he recommends most is learning.

As one ages, life can become boring. “For those who want to do something but have no way to start, I recommend studying from the age of 70,” Hideki Wada said.

He said that starting to learn at the age of 70 isn’t about getting into the school of your choice, nor is it about getting promoted, but rather about starting to learn without pressure and in a relaxed manner and being able to continue happily. He said he believes that learning is fun and that every day can be filled with happiness—which is the best way for seniors to spend their time.

Wada also said that it’s very important to stay curious and keep oneself interested in new things.

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For example, a new hobby such as knitting or gardening can stimulate the brain and body. Or one could learn to operate drones to experience new feelings or research history and culture that didn’t use to be interesting.

Hidetoki Wada said: “I believe that curiosity is the best brain training. Feeling new stimuli every day is also a good way to relieve loneliness.”

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Dr. Ryoichi Nakahara, who holds a doctorate in surgery from the University of Tokyo, told The Epoch Times that as people age, physiological functions in all areas of the body gradually decline, including in the form of hearing loss, mobility problems, and loss of family and friends, which can make some people depressed and dispirited.

Some people adopt poor lifestyle habits when they feel lonely, such as smoking, eating junk foods, drinking alcohol, and prolonged sitting, which accelerate the aging process. These are also factors that lead to dementia.

Nakahara said that older people should have their own interests and hobbies and a disciplined lifestyle with persistent physical exercise. They can also go on trips to relax and participate in community activities to enrich their lives. All of these can effectively alleviate the feeling of loneliness and make them resilient against cognitive impairment.