Older adults who are socially isolated are 28% more likely to develop dementia than those who are not socially isolated. According to research By researchers at Johns Hopkins, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
social isolation It is generally defined as having few social relationships and few people interacting on a regular basis.
The study involved 5,022 U.S. residents age 65 and older (mean age 76) who did not have dementia at study initiation and who were not living in a nursing home, residential care home, or other facility. Approximately 23% were considered socially isolated, whereas most participants (77%) were not.
For 9 years, all participants were followed and given regular cognitive tests. About 26% of socially isolated people developed dementia at the time, compared to about 20% of those who were not socially isolated.
The study found no significant differences by race or ethnicity. did not focus on why or how social isolation increased the prevalence of dementia, social isolation According to the National Institute on Aging, associations have been demonstrated with physical and mental health risk factors for dementia, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and decreased cognitive activity.
Also, people who are socially isolated may be less likely to use health care services available to older Americans. Elderly Care Locator — Aging management programs that can connect older people and their families to available services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation affects about a quarter of adults over the age of 65 in the United States.almost 6 million Americans He has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, according to the CDC.
This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, which briefly looks at the statistical aspects of health problems. Additional information and related studies are available via hyperlinks.
