Loneliness is a risk factor for memory impairment in old age

In 2023, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a “global public health problem,” affecting an estimated 1 in 4 older adults. A recent Canadian study found that both social isolation and loneliness can negatively impact memory.

The finding joins a host of health effects confirmed by previous research, which has found that social isolation and loneliness are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and susceptibility to depression and anxiety.

In the recent study, conducted at the University of Waterloo and reported by Newsweek, researchers examined different combinations of social isolation and loneliness in participants whose memory abilities were tracked for six years.

The participants were divided into four groups: social isolation and loneliness; social isolation or loneliness; and neither social isolation nor loneliness.

“As we expected, people who were socially isolated and lonely had the greatest memory decline, which worsened over the six years,” said lead researcher Ji-Won Kang.

“We were surprised to find that loneliness alone had the second-largest impact on memory, even though many studies talk about the risks of social isolation without considering loneliness,” she added.

The researchers suggested that people who are socially isolated but not lonely might still stimulate their mental abilities through solitary activities, such as reading, puzzles and engaging in hobbies.

Kang hopes the findings highlight the need for community-based programs for older people who are lonely and have health conditions that prevent them from connecting with their community.