The relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and loneliness

A new study suggests an increased link between loneliness and Alzheimer's disease, after scientists spent four years following a group of adults in the US.

Volunteers were assessed on their levels of loneliness with those describing higher symptoms of loneliness showing an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's.

But of those who described high levels of loneliness, who later died, the signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brain were no greater than those who had less symptoms of loneliness.

This suggests that loneliness was not obviously related to any of the physical brain changes that are hallmarks of the disease.

'The things we do with our spare time can have a real impact on the health of our hearts and brains and this latest study supports previous research on the risk of developing dementia.

The study demonstrates a clear link between less social activity and a higher risk of dementia symptoms. However, it is interesting that the people who died during the study and had demonstrated symptoms of dementia did not have relatively more physical signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brain. More research is needed to understand the exact link between loneliness and dementia symptoms.

Leisure activities may help the brain keep a 'reserve' capacity capable of delaying the onset of the clinical symptoms of dementia. Remaining socially active, eating a healthy diet and exercising as we get older is all good for our quality of life. Further research may reveal this could also prove a crucial tool in protecting us from developing dementia.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society