In addition to hearing loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes, social isolation in older adults is one of the modifiable risk factors that can promote the development of dementia. An interdisciplinary research team at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) has now investigated the connection between social isolation and cognitive impairments. The results show: People with cognitive impairments have a high risk of being socially isolated from friends and family members. This is reported by the researchers at the Digital Dementia Register Bavaria (digiDEM Bayern) in the renowned journal PlosOne..
Whether it's a casual coffee get-together or a seniors„ sports group, social interactions are an important cornerstone of life. A lack of these or missing social connections means people are considered socially isolated. “Current international studies show that even in cognitively healthy older people, mental performance declines as soon as they withdraw from social life," says Lisa Laininger, lead author of the study and research associate at the health services research project digiDEM Bavaria.
Risk factors for dementia
The phenomenon of social isolation is widespread, especially among older people, and can be associated with serious health problems. Furthermore, social isolation can promote the decline of cognitive functions. „If social ties are impaired, this can lead to an increased risk of physical and mental illnesses, such as dementia, as well as increased mortality,“ reports neurologist Prof. Dr. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas, co-author and project manager of digiDEM Bayern.
Data from people with cognitive impairments
In their study, FAU researchers analyzed data from 106 individuals over a 12-month period. Their data was collected as part of the health services research project digiDEM Bayern, a long-term study with participants from all administrative districts of Bavaria. Another special feature of the study is that all respondents already showed signs of cognitive impairment and were moreover not reliant on the support of caregivers and relatives.
„In the networks of older people, family and friends are the two most important components,“ explains Lisa Laininger. „We also know from other studies that the composition of the personal network, meaning whether it consists of friends or family members, seems to play a far greater role than the size of the network or the frequency of contacts.“
There are many reasons why the risk of social isolation increases with age. „On the one hand, older people tend to withdraw more, and on the other hand, their circle of friends often shrinks when peers become in need of care or pass away.“
Extent of social isolation
A central interest of the scientists around Lisa Laininger was the question of the extent of social isolation – an aspect that has so far been little studied. It was found that 42.5 percent of participants showed an increased risk of an inadequate network of friends. Other researchers came to similar conclusions. In contrast, the risk of social isolation from family members was only 17 percent.
Friends are more important than family
Furthermore, the researchers examined the extent to which the risk of social isolation affects the course of cognitive abilities. „Our findings suggest that friendships appear to have a greater impact on the course of cognitive abilities than family ties,“ says digiDEM Bayern scientist Lisa Laininger. There can be a variety of reasons for this. In friendships, people tend to participate in social activities together or engage in casual exchanges. Co-author Prof. Dr. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas adds: „This promotes cognitive performance. In addition, friends of the same age can also serve as role models regarding health awareness and, for example, motivate participation in sporting activities.“
However, in their study, the researchers did not only examine the connection between the degree of withdrawal and cognition. When other classic risk factors for dementia, such as age, gender, or educational attainment, are taken into account in the analysis, the influence of social networks on cognition can no longer be clearly demonstrated. „In this case, these factors appear to have a greater influence on cognitive abilities,“ says Lisa Laininger.
Pay attention
Nevertheless, the topic of „friendships in old age“ requires special attention, particularly for people with cognitive impairments. „The risk of no longer being able to maintain close and trusting relationships with people outside their family environment appears to be particularly high for this group of people,“ says Prof. Dr. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas. Difficulties in social interaction or the first signs of memory loss – such as no longer being able to remember appointments – can impair social behavior and encourage individual withdrawal.
Create target group-specific offers
Therefore, it is a crucial factor for researchers that corresponding offers are established for this particular group in the future. „In order to support people who are already affected by cognitive impairments in maintaining existing friendships or even building new, non-familial relationships, it is necessary to create target-group-specific offers such as art or movement activity groups for people with and without dementia or cognitive impairment,“ summarizes Lisa Laininger. Social isolation, like smoking, lack of exercise, or diabetes, is one of the modifiable risk factors for dementia.
The original scientific publication is in the journal PlosOne appeared.
Laininger, L., Dietzel, N., Grässel, E., Prokosch, H.-P., Kolominsky-Rabas, P. (2024). Impact of social network composition on cognitive decline: Digital Dementia Registry Bavaria (digiDEM Bayern)
