The Link Between Loneliness, Brain Shrinkage, and Dementia

A study conducted in Japan found that social isolation and a lack of social contact in older adults may lead to a smaller brain volume and an increased risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed MRI scans of over 8,800 individuals aged 65 and over, revealed that those with the lowest level of social contact had significantly smaller brain volumes compared to those with the most social contact. The study suggests that providing support to help older adults maintain social connections may be beneficial in preventing brain atrophy and the development of dementia.