Loneliness and cognitive abilities are linked in older adults over the short term, as revealed by recent research.
Extensive studies have indicated that older individuals experiencing loneliness face a higher likelihood of cognitive decline and disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Most of these studies have viewed loneliness as a constant in an individual’s life, overlooking its daily fluctuations. A new investigation by researchers at Penn State College of Health and Human Development explores the intricate relationship between fleeting moments of loneliness and cognitive performance over a day or two.
The researchers discovered that cognitive performance deteriorated for older adults on days when feelings of loneliness were elevated. This decline in cognitive abilities often occurred the following day. Conversely, as cognitive performance dropped, feelings of loneliness tended to rise shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, changes in momentary loneliness throughout the same day did not have a corresponding impact on cognitive performance.
The results of their research were published in The Journals of Gerontology Series B.
“These findings indicate that a harmful cycle may exist between loneliness and cognitive decline in the short term,” stated Jee eun Kang, a postdoctoral scholar from the Penn State Center for Healthy Aging and the lead author of the study. “Feeling lonely one day could lead to poorer cognitive performance the next, which in turn can heighten feelings of loneliness a few hours later, potentially establishing a long-term connection between cognitive decline and loneliness.”
The study analyzed data from 313 participants in the Einstein Aging Study, gathered between 2017 and 2020. The individuals were aged 70 to 90 and resided in the Bronx, New York City, within the community rather than in assisted living facilities. Participants documented their feelings of loneliness and performed cognitive assessments on a smartphone five times daily over a span of 14 days. Their daily averages for loneliness and cognitive performance were computed from these frequent measurements.
“Using this type of data, where individuals report their experiences and emotions through smartphones during their daily routines, allows us to gain valuable insights into people’s natural day-to-day experiences,” remarked Martin Sliwinski, a professor of human development and family studies, director of the Center for Healthy Aging, and a senior author of the study. “Had participants come to a laboratory setting, external influences could have unnaturally affected their feelings of loneliness or cognitive abilities.”/p>
While the relationships between loneliness and cognitive decline measured from one day to another or within the same day were not large, the research team noted that this is to be expected.
“These findings imply that even minor variations in loneliness or mental capabilities can accumulate over time,” explained Jennifer Graham-Engeland, a professor of biobehavioral health, associate director of the Center for Healthy Aging, and a co-author of the study.
Some experts suggest that loneliness might serve as an evolutionary signal prompting individuals to enhance or rebuild their social connections. This experience of loneliness may act as a stressor, which can account for the link to decreased cognitive performance.
“Our findings indicate that when older adults feel mentally dull, they may retreat from social interactions, exacerbating the issue,” remarked Kang. “It’s crucial for older individuals to take proactive steps to combat chronic loneliness, such as reaching out to a friend or neighbor or even engaging in light conversation with others they meet throughout the day.”
Younger individuals can also play a role by regularly connecting with older adults, Kang emphasized.
“Loneliness is not a static condition,” she added. “Your grandma might not always feel lonely, but like many, she likely has moments of loneliness. By reaching out and interacting with older adults, you actively support their cognitive and emotional well-being, both on that day and throughout their lives.”
The researchers highlighted that this study aligns with the goals of the Penn State Social Science Research Institute’s Geroscience and Dementia Prevention Consortium, which Sliwinski leads.
“Within the consortium, we aim to explore how modifiable risk factors, such as loneliness, influence cognitive decline and neurodegeneration,” Sliwinski stated. “This study represents one of many at Penn State focused on assisting older adults in maintaining their cognitive abilities.”
Lynn Martire and David Almeida, both professors of human development and family studies, also contributed to this research.
The National Institutes of Health provided funding for this study.
