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Social Engagement Linked to Reduced Risk of Dementia, Study Finds
Engaging in social activities such as visiting friends, attending gatherings, and participating in church services may have beneficial effects on brain health, according to a recent study from Rush University.
The research, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, indicates that a higher level of social engagement might play a role in preventing or postponing the onset of dementia among older adults.
Dr. Bryan James, an associate professor of internal medicine at Rush and a key researcher on the project, stated, “This follow-up study builds on our earlier findings that link social activity with decreased cognitive decline in older populations.” He added that the research identifies a correlation between social interaction and a lower risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
The results revealed that older adults with the least amount of social engagement experienced the onset of dementia on average five years earlier than their more socially active peers. This suggests that maintaining social networks could be vital for cognitive longevity.
The benefits of social interactions may stem from their ability to reinforce brain neural circuits, making them more resilient against age-related decline. Engaging socially activates specific brain regions linked to memory and cognitive processes.
The authors emphasize the implications of these findings as potential strategies for community intervention aimed at reducing the incidence of dementia.
In terms of quantitative outcomes, the study indicated that increased social activity was associated with a 38% decrease in dementia risk and a 21% decrease in the risk of mild cognitive impairment when compared to individuals who were less socially active.
Furthermore, projecting the impact of a five-year delay in the onset of dementia reveals significant potential benefits: an extended average life expectancy of three additional years and an estimated 40% reduction in dementia-related healthcare expenses over the next three decades, translating to around $500,000 in lifetime savings for each individual who may develop dementia.
The study tracked 1,923 older adults without dementia, averaging around 80 years of age, all participants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project—an ongoing comprehensive investigation into aging’s chronic conditions.
Of the participants, 545 were diagnosed with dementia, while 695 developed mild cognitive impairment during the study period. Each participant underwent annual assessments, which included a thorough medical history and neuropsychological testing.
Social engagement levels were determined via a questionnaire that recorded how frequently participants participated in six specific social activities, such as dining out, playing bingo, taking trips, volunteering, or visiting friends and family.
Assessment of cognitive function involved 21 different tests covering memory, perceptual speed, and visuospatial capabilities. Initially, all participants showed no signs of cognitive impairment; however, over an average duration of five years, those who maintained regular social interactions demonstrated lower rates of dementia development. The study’s analysis accounted for other factors potentially influencing cognitive decline, including age, physical activity, and overall health.
While the exact mechanisms behind the relationship between social activity and cognitive health remain uncertain, Dr. James posits that “social interactions compel older adults to engage in complex social exchanges, potentially fostering efficient neural networks—reinforcing the adage ‘use it or lose it.’”
Looking ahead, James emphasized the need for further research to evaluate if increasing social engagement in late life can effectively delay or prevent cognitive decline.
Other contributors to the study included researchers Yi Chen, PhD, Francine Grodstein, ScD, Ana Capuano, PhD, Tianhao Wang, PhD, and David Bennett, MD from Rush University.
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