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Social Connections May Help Prevent Dementia


— January 30, 2025

Staying socially engaged may help delay cognitive decline and improve long-term brain health.


Spending time with friends, attending gatherings, or even making a habit of visiting loved ones could play a big role in keeping the mind sharp as people age. A study from Rush University Medical Center suggests that staying socially active may help prevent dementia or at least slow down cognitive decline.

The research followed nearly 2,000 older adults with an average age of 80 who were free of cognitive issues at the beginning of the study. Participants answered questions about how often they engaged in activities that involved interacting with others, such as dining out, attending events, or volunteering. Each year, they also underwent memory and thinking tests. Over time, those who were more socially active showed a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who engaged less, suggesting that the interactions could prevent dementia.

“This study is a follow up on previous papers from our group showing that social activity is related to less cognitive decline in older adults,” explained Bryan James, PhD, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush. “In this study, we show that social activity is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and that the least socially active older adults developed dementia an average of five years before the most socially active.”

Social Connections May Help Prevent Dementia
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Results showed that the least socially engaged individuals were diagnosed with dementia about five years earlier than those who were frequently interacting with others. The numbers suggest that more social engagement is linked to a 38% lower chance of developing dementia and a 21% lower chance of mild cognitive issues. While the exact reason for this connection isn’t fully understood, researchers believe that social interactions challenge the brain, keeping it more resilient to age-related changes. Engaging in conversations, navigating social settings, and maintaining relationships all require cognitive effort, which may help keep the brain in better shape.

The potential benefits of delaying dementia go beyond just personal well-being. A five-year delay in dementia onset could lead to an increase in life expectancy by three years and a major reduction in healthcare costs. Estimates suggest that this delay could cut dementia-related expenses by 40% over the next 30 years, translating to significant financial relief for families and the healthcare system.

Dementia is a growing concern as populations age, and while medical treatments remain limited, lifestyle changes may offer a way to slow its progression. This study adds to existing evidence that keeping the mind engaged through social activities is just as important as maintaining physical health. Other factors like exercise, diet, and managing health conditions also play a role, but staying connected with others appears to be a simple and effective way to promote cognitive health.

While the study makes a strong case for the benefits of social interaction, particularly its ability to prevent dementia, more research is needed to determine if specific social activities offer greater protection against cognitive decline. Understanding whether structured social programs or informal gatherings are more effective could help shape future dementia prevention strategies.

For now, the takeaway is clear—staying socially engaged may help protect the brain. Whether it’s through family visits, joining a club, or volunteering, making an effort to stay connected with others could lead to a healthier, sharper mind in later years.

Sources:

Frequent social engagement may delay dementia onset

Late‐life social activity and subsequent risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment

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