Being ALONE during middle age may increase risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life, study warns
- Scientists examined data from cognitively “normal” adults in the United States
- Those who were persistently loners aged 45-64 years more likely to develop dementia
- However, people who are alone only temporarily are at less risk
- While the reason for the findings remains unclear, the researchers hope that their research will help adapt interventions to prevent loneliness
Being persistently lonely during middle age may increase your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life, a new study has found.
The researchers studied older people in the United States to understand whether they felt persistently lonely between the ages of 45 and 64.
The analysis revealed that those who felt lonely in middle age were more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s.
However, people who have recovered from loneliness appear to be less likely to suffer from dementia than those who have never felt lonely.
Although the reason for the findings is not yet clear, the researchers hope that their research will help define interventions to prevent loneliness.
Being persistently lonely during middle age may increase your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life, a new study has found.
Loneliness is not currently listed as a clinical disease, but research has shown that it is linked to a number of negative health outcomes, including sleep problems, depression and even stroke.
In the study, researchers at Boston University decided to understand whether loneliness could also affect the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The team examined data from cognitively “normal” adults in the Framingham Heart Study, which has been recruiting participants since 1948.
Specifically, the team investigated whether persistent loneliness more strongly predicted the future development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than transient loneliness.
Several other factors were also taken into account, including age, sex, education, social network, living alone, physical health and genetic risk.
The findings revealed that people who were persistently lonely were at greater risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease 18 years later.
However, people who were left alone for a short period of time were actually at a lower risk of developing any of the conditions.
Dr. Wendy Qiu, professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at Boston University and corresponding author of the study, explained: ‘Considering that persistent loneliness is a threat to brain health, psychological resilience after adverse life experiences may explain why the transient loneliness is protective in the context of onset of dementia. ‘
The researchers hope the findings will increase hope for people who may suffer from loneliness in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, but believe they can overcome that feeling when the blockade is eased.
While the reason for the findings remains unclear, they raise concerns for the millions of Britons who admit to being lonely.
The researchers hope that the findings will increase hope for people who may suffer from loneliness in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, but believe they will be able to overcome this feeling when the blockade is eased (stock image)
In 2018, an Age UK report found that the number of people over 50 suffering from loneliness is expected to reach two million by 2025/6.
This compares to around 1.4 million in 2016/7 – an increase of 49 percent in 10 years.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: ‘Our population is aging very fast and therefore we are moving towards having two million loners over 50 in less than a decade, with serious consequences for their physical health. and mental, and therefore for the NHS, unless we take action now. ‘
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLING DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERS YOUR MEMORIES
Dementia is a generic term used to describe a range of neurological disorders.
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is a generic term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those that affect the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behavior.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of the type diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in a unique way.
Dementia is a global concern, but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live to a very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK in 2025 will increase to more than 1 million.
In the United States, it is estimated that there are 5.5 million people with Alzheimer’s. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of developing dementia.
Diagnostic rates are improving, but it is believed that many people with dementia have not yet been diagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
There is currently no cure for dementia.
But new drugs can slow its progression, and the sooner it is detected, the more effective the treatments will be.
Source: Alzheimer’s Society