It has long been known that social isolation is bad for your health. People who have limited relationships, social connections, and/or social support, as well as those who describe themselves are lonely, are at higher risk for a multitude of negative health outcomes. These well documented negative health outcomes include hypertension, stroke, and premature death, as well as an increased likelihood of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. In addition to these findings, there is an expanding body of evidence confirming an increased risk of developing dementia among those who lack social connection and support.
In a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, the negative impact of loneliness and social isolation were examined and the increased risk for dementia among socially isolated older adults was estimated to be as high as 50%. In other words, if you are someone who lacks social connection with family, friends, and neighbors, you are at substantially greater risk of developing cognitive decline than your same age peers who enjoy social connection and support. Similarly, in a recent longitudinal study conducted at Johns Hopkins, researchers found a 59% higher risk of developing dementia among those with a poor social network and a 29% higher risk for dementia among those lacking social support. Based on findings like these, the Lancet 2020 report on dementia prevention, intervention, and care noted that, assuming a causal relationship, up to 4% of all dementia diagnoses can be attributed to lack of social support in later life.
The range of negative health outcomes associated with loneliness and isolation, including the increased risk for dementia, are mediated by the stress response in our bodies. Specifically, human beings are social animals, and we need the presence and support of other people in our lives to help us manage the demands of daily life and challenging life events. Relationships serve as a protective factor in our response to stress as those around us provide comfort, encouragement, and assistance with the stressors in our lives. Without social support as a buffer, chronic life stress has an increased impact on our minds and bodies creating greater wear and tear on body systems, widespread inflammation, and inhibition of our immune system. These stress related outcomes also take a toll on the brain and help to set the stage for disease and dysfunction.
Sadly, we live in a culture that has become increasingly disconnected and loneliness is on the rise among all age groups. The Surgeon General’s report addresses these trends and suggests a variety of ways that social infrastructure can be enhanced in America to support the wellbeing of all and to reduce the negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness. It will take collective action government, businesses, social services, and faith communities to foster improvements in social infrastructure, such as neighbor to neighbor interactions, availability of social clubs, networks, and events, and enhanced access to faith communities, local services and events, and education about the impact of poor social support.
Each of us can also be mindful and intentional about seeking, engaging in, and maintaining our social networks. Simple ideas for building a social network include reaching out to neighbors, maintaining relationships with friends and family – even if they live far away, joining a club, church, or local group, or volunteering. Any one of these small acts can help to connect us with others and serves to expand and strengthen our web of connection with others. Human beings evolved in community and have always benefitted from interdependence and connection with others. Modern culture may challenge the ways we have stayed connected in the past, but it has also given us new ways to connect virtually and across barriers of time, space, and differences of background and experience. We owe it to ourselves and to our communities to reach out and connect with others. When we do so, we improve our own health and wellbeing and support the health and wellbeing of those around us.
Written By:
Kelly O’Shea Carney, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified Geropsychologist
Chair of Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley Steering Committee
The content of this article was informed by the following scientific articles and reports, which can be consulted if you would like to learn more about the relationship between social connection and dementia.
US Surgeon General’s Report: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation. Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
Huang AR, Roth DL, Cidav T, et al. Social isolation and 9-year dementia risk in community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2023; 71(3): 765-773. Available at: https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jgs.18140?utm_term=JGS&utm_campaign=WRH_1_9_23&utm_medium=email&utm_source=publicity
Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2020 Aug 8;396(10248):413-446. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext