Science has made some great advances in the area of dementia in recent years, including the identification of likely causes and factors. These, at some point, will help lead to the development of preventative and, perhaps, even curative medical solutions.
However, as we wait and hope for such advancements, it’s important to note that we can help prevent dementia ourselves. Science does a great job of uncovering cures and preventative measures requiring medication. On top of that, though, it does a good job of teaching us how we can help ourselves.
One example is our diet. Decades of research has shown us that adopting the so-called Mediterranean diet brings many health benefits. This gives us a significant level of control over our long-term physical health.
Along similar lines, science has steered us in a direction that points to things we can do to slow down – perhaps even prevent – the development of dementia. One of those is social engagement.
Make friends, beat dementia
Beating dementia unfortunately isn’t as straightforward as simply making friends, but doing so does appear to play an important role. An indication of just how important a role is illustrated by figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO data indicates that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of developing dementia by 50 per cent. That’s a big increase. Marry that up with the fact that dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the extent of the impact becomes clear.
Making the impact more devastating still has been the COVID pandemic, albeit indirectly. Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of Australians experiencing some level of loneliness has risen from one in four to one in three.
It’s become obvious that older adults, and those in regional and remote areas, are particularly at risk. And we now know that such social isolation and loneliness can lead to serious and complex health complications.
So what can be done to help reverse this trend? That question has become the subject of new research underway at UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA).
Social connection, dementia prevention
The CHeBA researchers have launched an online study addressing the role of social engagement in maintaining brain function and wellbeing: Maintaining Social Engagement. A world first, the study is led by social health expert and clinical psychologist Dr Suraj Samtani. It aims to provide expert support and activities for people aged over 55 with memory concerns to stay socially engaged.
This support is provided entirely via video calls, and it promises enormous potential benefits, according to Dr Samtani. “Evidence suggests that being socially active reduces the risk of dementia by half,” he said. “This is even after taking into account all other risk factors for dementia.”
Based on the feedback provided by some participants, the program has already yielded positive results. Carolyn Monaghan, from Warrnambool in western Victoria, is one such participant. Ms Monaghan joined the study in March, having found herself becoming more socially isolated following her father’s vascular dementia diagnosis.
“Being part of this study group has given me mental stimulation and friendship,” she said. “It’s made me feel good and I’ve definitely looked forward to the zoom sessions.”
Social isolation vs. loneliness
According to Dr Samtani, it’s important to note the difference between social isolation and loneliness. “Being socially isolated is the physical state of having less interactions with other people,” he said. “Loneliness is the emotional state of feeling disconnected from the people around us and feeling the need for more rewarding social connections.”
Despite that difference both can be compared to excessive drinking and daily smoking, according to Dr Samtani. “Loneliness is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” he said. “Being lonely can increase your risk of getting dementia by 26 per cent.”
What you can do
The CHeBA research team would like to hear from those aged 55 or older who have memory concerns. They are seeking participants to join the Maintaining Social Engagement study. You can register your interest via the form here.
If you meet these requirements and also feel lonely at times, this research could help you and the CHeBA team. And from there, many others may ultimately find themselves less lonely and lower their risk of dementia.
Do you ever feel lonely or socially isolated? Would you take steps to change this knowing it could help prevent dementia? Let us know via the comments section below.
Also read: Dementia: our failing approach
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
