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Loneliness is emerging as a significant threat to memory, surpassing even social isolation, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Waterloo. The research highlights the profound impact of loneliness on cognitive health, especially among middle-aged and older adults, a finding that underscores the need for targeted interventions and community programs.
Approximately one-third of Canadians report feelings of loneliness, a subjective emotion that can persist despite participation in social activities. This emotional state is often linked to depression and elevated stress hormones, which can contribute to impaired memory.
The Waterloo study, led by Ji Won Kang, a PhD candidate in the School of Public Health Sciences, examined the effects of four different combinations of social isolation and loneliness on memory over a six-year period. The combinations included individuals who were both socially isolated and lonely, only socially isolated, only lonely, and neither.
“As expected, those who were both socially isolated and lonely experienced the greatest decline in memory, with the impact intensifying over the six years,” Kang explained. “However, we were surprised to find that loneliness alone had the second-greatest impact on memory, despite many studies focusing solely on the dangers of social isolation.”
One reason for this, Kang suggests, might be that socially isolated individuals often engage in solo activities such as reading, playing games, and pursuing hobbies, which can stimulate mental capacity and improve memory. In contrast, loneliness, even when individuals are socially connected, does not offer the same mental stimulation and can lead to cognitive decline.
Kang emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of older adults who are both socially isolated and lonely, as they are at the highest risk of memory impairment. “Older adults in the lonely category often have lower incomes and may face structural barriers and health conditions that prevent them from connecting with their communities,” she said. “Implementing transportation or home-visit programs could address some of the societal issues leading to their isolation.”
For those who are lonely but not socially isolated, a different approach is necessary. “We need to understand the root causes of their loneliness,” Kang noted. “They may have social connections and close relationships, but other factors, such as marital issues, could be contributing to their loneliness and could be addressed through counseling.”
The interdisciplinary study, which involved collaboration between the School of Public Health Sciences and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at Waterloo, has been published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. The findings call for a more nuanced understanding of loneliness and social isolation, and the development of comprehensive strategies to mitigate their impact on memory and cognitive health in the aging population.
