social isolation Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Loneliness: Greater Negative Impact on Memory Than Social Isolation?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:21:45 +0000

University of Waterloo via News-Medical – About a third of Canadians feel lonely, and a study from the University of Waterloo shows it has a greater negative impact on memory than even social isolation, though both present a significant risk to the aging population. Loneliness is a subjective emotion that people might feel even while engaging in social activities. It is often associated with depression and an increase in stress hormones that may contribute to impaired memory. Waterloo researchers examined four combinations of social isolation and loneliness and their effect on memory in middle-aged and older adults over a six-year period. These combinations include being socially isolated and lonely, being only socially isolated, being only lonely and being neither. “As we expected, people who were both socially isolated and lonely had the greatest decline in memory, which intensified over the six years. But we were surprised to find that loneliness alone had the second-greatest impact on memory, even though so many studies report on the dangers of social isolation without considering loneliness.” Ji Won Kang, lead author on the paper and PhD candidate in the School of Public Health Sciences at Waterloo Those who aren’t lonely but are socially isolated may be stimulating their mental capacity with solo activities, such as reading, playing games and engaging in hobbies that improve memory and stimulate the brain, despite not engaging in social activities. Loneliness alone had the second-greatest impact on memory Kang hopes the findings of this research will highlight the need for community programs, especially for the combined group of older adults who are both socially isolated and lonely, and therefore at the highest risk of memory impairment. “Older adults in the lonely category often have lower incomes than the other groups and may have structural barriers and health conditions preventing them from connecting to their communities,” she said. “A solution could be to implement transportation or home-visit programs-; something to address the societal issues that lead to them being more isolated.” The group who is just lonely is the next priority, requiring a different approach. “We would need to know what is causing their loneliness,” Kang said. “They may be connected socially and have close relationships, but for example, maybe their marriage is falling apart and they would benefit from counselling.” The study was an interdisciplinary project between the School of Public Health Sciences and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at Waterloo. Exploring the differential impacts of social isolation, loneliness, and their combination on the memory of an aging population: A 6-year longitudinal study of the CLSA appears in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Source: University of Waterloo Journal reference: Kang, J. W., et al. (2024). Exploring the Differential Impacts of Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Their Combination on the Memory of Aging Population: A 6-Year Longitudinal Study by the CLSA. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2024.105483. To read the original article click here.

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NEW STUDY Shows Social Isolation Harms Brain Health, Increases Risk of Dementia

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:00:17 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Social isolation, “the absence or near absence of social connections or relationships,” and loneliness are not healthy. There is evidence of an association between living socially isolated and adverse health effects, such as depression, anxiety, various physical stress responses, decreased immunity, and more. However, researchers have now established a strong link between social isolation and dementia later in life. Socially Isolated People Are More Likely to Develop “Later Dementia” The study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, used data gathered from the UK Biobank. Researchers found that socially isolated individuals had a 26% greater probability of developing dementia than a socially active person. Those older than 60 are the hardest hit. Depression was also linked to later dementia in this study, but the link was not nearly as significant as it was with social isolation. This means that even though social isolation can cause depression, it is not depression that can lead to dementia. Instead, it is the social isolation itself that increases the risk factor for dementia and negatively affects brain health. A 2021 study concluded that the forced social isolation that affected most people during the COVID-19 pandemic initiated a domino effect of repercussions regarding mental health. It examined dementia patients and their caregivers, exploring the impact of that social isolation. More than 50% of dementia patients experienced a decline in memory function; more than 30% felt sadder, while almost 40% experienced an increase in their anxiety symptoms. This increase in anxiety symptoms caused a rise in dementia symptoms, including agitation, hallucinations, and difficulty in daily life activities. In short, it made the patients’ dementia worse. CDC Knew Social Isolation Was Significant Health Risk and Recommended It Anyway During Pandemic With No Sound Evidence for Its Effectiveness to “Flatten the Curve” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites several studies that point to health risks associated with social isolation in adults over 50. Studies show that social isolation can increase the risk of: premature death from all causes dementia by about 50% heart disease by 29% stroke by 32% anxiety, depression, and suicide In addition, heart failure patients who were socially isolated had: 4-fold increase in the risk of death increased risk of hospitalization by 68% increased risk of emergency room visits by 57% Here Is What to Do to Reduce Your Dementia Risk There are many steps individuals can take to decrease their risk of dementia. Maintain good physical health Eat a healthy organic diet Monitor blood pressure and keep systolic BP at 130 mm Hg or lower, starting at around 40 years of age Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke Reduce exposure to air pollution Take measures to prevent falls to avoid head injury Limit or avoid alcohol consumption Don’t smoke or quit smoking Keep the brain active with puzzles, lessons, and discussions Maintain a healthy weight Prevent diabetes by keeping sugar intake very low Get 7 to 8 hours of good quality, restful sleep Encourage and enforce regular social interaction Senior centers or senior daycare facilities can be a good way to help adults get some social interaction. In the event of another pandemic with forced isolation, there should be plans in place for older adults who may suffer greatly from loneliness and isolation. And let’s remember that humans of all ages are social creatures. We thrive on interacting with others. We also know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation was ineffective in stopping the spread of the so-called “virus.” So in the next round of pandemic, before complying with potentially harmful government-mandated lockdowns, shouldn’t we demand evidence from our health authorities that support the alleged rationale for over-reaching pandemic control measures? Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov CDC.gov TheLancet.com Assets.publishing.service.gov To read the original article click here.

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Lockdown Has Encouraged Older People to Embrace Technology, Reconnect and Build New Relationships

AHA Publisher — Tue, 18 May 2021 07:00:12 +0000

University of Stirling via News-Medical – The COVID-19 lockdown was a catalyst for many older people to embrace technology, reconnect with friends and build new relationships with neighbors, according to University of Stirling research. Understanding the coping mechanisms adopted by some over 60s during the pandemic will play a key role in developing interventions to help tackle loneliness, isolation and wellbeing in the future. The study, led by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, surveyed 1,429 participants – 84 percent (1,198) of whom were over 60 – and found many had adapted to video conferencing technology to increase online contact with existing social networks, while others reconnected with previous networks. Participants reported that lockdown had led them to engage with neighbors and other members of their communities for the first time, while several said social distancing had brought an additional meaning to life, by highlighting what was important to them. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the paper comes six months after the study – funded under the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office’s Rapid Research in COVID-19 programme – reported in its preliminary findings that social distancing had increased feelings of loneliness in older people. Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Anna Whittaker, who led the study, said: “Our research found that the COVID-19 lockdown triggered feelings of loneliness in older people – with many experiencing less social contact and support. However, the study also highlighted positive outcomes, for example, lockdown encouraged some older people to embrace and engage with technology – such as Zoom, Whatsapp or FaceTime – to stay in touch with loved-ones or participate in exercise classes or religious groups. Those who engaged in such activity were able to prevent high levels of loneliness, therefore, helping older adults to increase their digital literacy and use of remote social interactions could be a really important tool for addressing loneliness. “Participants also reported actively looking for new social contact while restrictions were in place – such as contacting friends who they had not spoken to in years and increasing interactions with neighbors and other members of their communities. Significantly, many of our participants reported that social distancing has actually led them to find new sources of satisfaction in life. “Our study also highlighted that encouraging safe social contact through physical activity and engaging with people in the community may be an effective way to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, increase social activity, and improve social support.” The study – which involved a survey conducted between May and July 2020 – examined the impact of social distancing during the pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing and social activity, including social support, in Scottish older adults. Participants were asked about the strategies they adopted to increase social interaction during this time and reported that the way they interacted with their friends and family, faith, chosen group activities and, to a lesser extent, their employer and colleagues, had changed. More than 300 participants mentioned ‘Zoom’ – the video conferencing tool – in their answers. More than 150 participants reported that their religious gatherings had moved online – replacing face-to-face gatherings – while 91 said that social gatherings with family and friends had changed in favour of online ‘games nights’. New activities included bingo and quiz nights, while other activities moved online – such as bridge nights, book clubs, choir rehearsals, and dance and exercise classes. The role of community – particularly neighbors – was mentioned by more than 300 participants and some reported the common experience of getting to know previously unknown neighbors and increase interaction with others in the community at local shops or parks. A pleasant Scottish summer also supported such interactions, several said. At least 100 people said social interactions were linked to their physical activities – such as time spent outdoors while walking for exercise, walking the dogs or active commuting. Professor Whittaker added: “Our research underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults – but particularly during situations where risk of isolation is high. Although specific to the pandemic, this study has wider implications of helping us to understand the impact of social distancing and social isolation on older people. “The findings may be applicable in the future – both in and outwith pandemic situations. In Scotland, the recommendations for improvement may be through encouraging older adults to get to know their neighbors better, getting involved with local buddying systems and community initiatives, including via digital means, and engaging in physical activity, such as daily walks in the community.” “While it may prove difficult to consider any aspect of the pandemic positive as such, it is important and worthwhile to reflect on what it has taught us, both about ourselves and society and about the necessary tools to tackle Scotland’s increased levels of loneliness and isolation. For example, we’ve seen first-hand how important the community response has been in terms of supporting older people throughout lockdown and it has been inspiring to witness how people across the country stepped in and stepped forward to help those in need around them. Even as restrictions ease, we hope to see this sense of community spirit continue. The ongoing impact of COVID-19 has also demonstrated just how important increased digital inclusion is and how easily those without access to technology can feel out of the loop. It’s reassuring to see so many older people reporting that they have been able to embrace and engage with technology to stay connected and active. However, it’s equally important to ensure those who are unable or do not wish to use the internet have alternative ways to stay connected to their communities and support networks. As we take steps towards recovery together, it is vital that no one is left behind and those most impacted are supported to play a full part in society again. We know we will be living with the ongoing effects of lockdown loneliness for a long time to come, and this research will be incredibly valuable when considering how best to tackle loneliness and isolation and to improve the wellbeing of older people going forward.” Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland To read the original article click here.

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Reading in Company Boosts Creativity

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 07:00:31 +0000

Universidad Complutense de Madrid via EurekAlert – We process language differently depending on whether we are reading alone or in the company of another person, according to a study carried out by teachers and researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) and published in Cortex. The results of recording electrical activity in the brain indicated that when we read in company, our language processing is more heuristic, i.e. more global, controlled, integrated and possibly more creative. “However, when we read alone, our language processing is more algorithmic, in other words, more automatic, limited and subject to rules”, explained Laura Jiménez Ortega, a researcher in the Department of Psychobiology at the UCM and the UCM-ISCIII Centre for Evolution and Human Behaviour. To compare the effect of company and solitude on language comprehension, the researchers measured electrical brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). Participants read texts containing syntactic or semantic errors, half of them in solitude and the other half in company. Those reading in company showed activity in the precuneus, an area of the brain involved in social and attentional processing. In addition, their language comprehension was more global and integrated compared with that of subjects reading alone. In the social situation, syntactic errors elicited a pattern of electrical activity characteristic of semantic processing (N400), which is considered more heuristic and integrated. However, electrical brain activity in subjects reading alone showed a LAN pattern, characteristic of early, automatic processing. The social isolation caused by the current coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented opportunity, prompting researchers to change perspective and conduct more research into social aspects of behaviour and language comprehension. “Given that company favours a more creative and integrated understanding whereas isolation leads to more detailed and systematic processing, we need to start thinking more about the impact of social interaction in research, in education and in professional settings where language comprehension is fundamental”, concluded Jiménez Ortega. To read the original article click here.

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