Loneliness Identified as Major Contributor to Age-Related Memory Decline
University of Waterloo study finds loneliness more detrimental to memory than social isolation in older adults.
- Research over six years shows loneliness significantly impacts memory in middle-aged and older adults.
- Study highlights that those both lonely and socially isolated experience the worst memory decline.
- Loneliness alone was found to have a greater negative effect on memory than social isolation alone.
- Findings emphasize the need for targeted community programs to address loneliness and social isolation.
- Researchers suggest interventions like transportation and home-visit programs for at-risk older adults.