The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Aging: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Social concepts such as loneliness and social isolation are fairly new factors that have been recently gaining attention as to their involvement in changes in cognitive function and association with dementia. The primary aim of this narrative review was to describe the current understanding of how loneliness and social isolation influence cognitive aging and how they are linked to dementia. Studies have shown that there is an association between loneliness, social isolation, and reduced cognitive function, in older adults, across multiple cognitive domains, as well as a heightened risk of dementia. Numerous changes to underlying neural biomechanisms including cortisol secretion and brain volume alterations (e.g., white/grey matter, hippocampus) may contribute to these relationships. However, due to poor quality research, mixed and inconclusive findings, and issues accurately defining and measuring loneliness and social isolation, more consistent high-quality interventions are needed to determine whether studies addressing loneliness and social isolation can impact longer term risk of dementia. This is especially important given the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation in older people is yet to be fully understood.

The association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic

“…With the pandemic, a new paradigm emerged worldwide, with everyday physical distancing taking its toll, signi cantly impacting adults aged 65 and above. Social isolation can promote feelings of loneliness and, especially when recurrent, can exacerbate mental health problems and disturbances in overall well-being [34].…”

Association between Subjective Cognitive Complaints and Sleep Disturbance among Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals in Japan

“…We performed interviews for the following risk factors for developing dementia: sex [34]; age [35]; educational level [36]; a history of hypertension [37], diabetes [38], hyperlipidemia [39], and cardiovascular disease [40]; the presence of known risk factors such as hearing loss [41], a history of a head injury [42], past or current alcoholic drinking habits [43], and past or current smoking habits [44]; social isolation (no individual to interact with (in person, by phone, or through email) at least once per week [except for family members who live with you]) [45]; and physical inactivity (not exercising for ≥30 min a day, 2 days a week for at least 1 year [46]).…”

Routines and Daily Dynamics of Young People with Borderline Intelligence: An Ethnomethodological Study

“…The family environment and dynamics, along with the lack of recognition and adequate detection of the disability, due to the insufficient relevant support, could partly explain the risks of social exclusion faced by individuals with borderline intellectual functioning. This often leads to isolation and may exacerbate their vulnerability, exposing them to criminal or abusive situations (Guarnera et al 2023). From here, it is crucial to raise awareness in society about the importance of reducing the discrimination and stigma faced by these individuals to ensure greater social inclusion and support in their daily lives.…”