Social connections might indicate your vulnerability to dementia: Insight into how your social relationships could potentially influence your chances of developing dementia.
Contrary to a popular belief, there is no clear evidence that middle-aged people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease become more sociable instead of less. Research suggests that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias tend to increase social isolation and reduce social engagement as symptoms worsen, rather than increasing sociability.
Studies on social engagement in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's or related dementia show that cognitive decline often leads to increased isolation, which is a risk factor for further worsening of the condition. Efforts to increase social interaction, such as structured virtual social groups, aim specifically to counteract this social withdrawal and isolation.
Social engagement is actively encouraged as a part of lifestyle interventions to slow cognitive decline, implying that natural sociability typically decreases or at least does not spontaneously increase without intervention. Organisations dedicated to Alzheimer's research focus on the behavioural and social changes that include reduced social interaction and increased isolation, especially as the disease progresses.
However, a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found that middle-aged people at higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's are more likely to report active social lives. The study, based on data from almost 500,000 British people over the age of 40, also found that those at higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's were less likely to be isolated.
The study's findings were surprising because they contradicted expectations of withdrawal from social networks. Dr Scott Zimmerman, senior research fellow at Boston University, stated, "We expected to see more evidence of withdrawal from social networks, but instead, we found that those experiencing the early signs of Alzheimer's, such as subtle changes in thinking and memory, might draw closer to their family and friends for more support with daily activities."
Dr Jacqueline Torres, co-lead author of the study, emphasised the importance of creating more opportunities for healthy social engagement across the life course. She said, "The study's findings suggest that staying socially connected could play a role in protecting brain health."
Dr Ruijia Chen, postdoctoral researcher at Boston, stated that the study suggests that the link between social isolation and dementia risk shown in other studies isn't entirely due to early disease symptoms causing people to withdraw. She added, "The study provides more information about that link."
The study did not specify any new lifestyle factors influencing dementia, but mentioned sleep routine, mental health, and medications as additional modifiable factors. Dr Ashwin Kotwal, associate professor of medicine at UCSF, explained that the study didn't contradict previous research about Alzheimer's and social disconnection, but instead provided more information about that link.
In summary, the evidence points toward Alzheimer's disease leading to reduced sociability due to cognitive and behavioural impairments rather than increased sociability during the early stages in middle-aged or older adults. Efforts to promote social engagement are necessary because natural tendencies are typically toward social withdrawal. The study's findings underscore the importance of maintaining social connections and addressing loneliness, which may be one of the factors contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
[1] Link to further reading on social engagement and Alzheimer's
[2] Link to further reading on lifestyle interventions for Alzheimer's
[3] Link to further reading on early dementia detection
[4] Link to further reading on addressing loneliness
[5] Link to further reading on beating dementia
- Despite the common belief, research fails to find clear evidence that middle-aged individuals with early stages of Alzheimer's disease exhibit increased sociability.
- Instead, studies suggest that as Alzheimer's symptoms worsen, these individuals tend to isolate themselves more and engage in social activities less.
- Focussed attempts are made to improve social interaction, offering structured online groups, to counteract the social withdrawal caused by the disease.
- An unexpected finding from a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that middle-aged individuals with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's are more likely to maintain active social lives, and less likely to be isolated.
- Researchers highlight the significance of promoting social engagement for overall health and wellness, as maintaining a strong social network may even support brain health and counter dementia-related risks.
- Alongside social interactions, the study suggests that other modifiable factors such as sleep routine, mental health, medications, and nutritional habits play a role in preventing or slowing down the onset of dementia.
- Efforts to detect dementia early, promote healthy social engagement, improve mental health, establish better sleep habits, and follow a nutritious diet are essential for addressing loneliness and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the future.
