Social Connections Could Help Stave Off Dementia
Research conducted at Rush University Medical Center suggests that frequently engaging in social activity may help prevent or delay dementia in older adults. The study, which involved 1,923 dementia-free adults with an average age of 80, found that socializing regularly— such as visiting friends, attending parties, and going to church — could reduce dementia risk by 38 percent and decrease mild cognitive impairment risk by 21 percent compared to those who are less socially inclined. Social activity also appeared to delay the onset of dementia: those who were the least socially active developed dementia five years earlier on average.
Social interaction strengthens neural circuits in the brain, potentially protecting against age-related cognitive decline. While the mechanism for this is unclear, researchers suggest that social activity challenges the brain, keeping it sharp. Future studies will explore whether increasing social engagement in late life can further delay cognitive decline.
