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social isolation

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·August 21, 2023·7 min read

Elderly People Who Live Alone at Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline

A startling study unveils a critical deficiency in the U.S. healthcare infrastructure: about 1 in 4 older Americans with dementia or cognitive impairments live solo, confronting increased hazards such as unsafe driving, medication mishaps, and overlooked medical appointments. This issue looms large, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of an aging demographic that's set to exponentially grow.

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·July 2, 2023·4 min read

The Lonely Brain: Unraveling the Neuroscience and Psychology of Isolation

The neuroscience and psychology of loneliness have provided fascinating insights into this pervasive issue, revealing its profound effects on our brain and mental health. Research has shown that loneliness is related to unique brain processing patterns and can contribute to various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

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·June 20, 2023·6 min read

Social Bonds Protect Aging Brains

Social isolation can potentially harm brain structure and cognitive performance, suggesting an increased risk of conditions like Alzheimer's dementia. The study indicates a lack of quality social interaction can lead to a decrease in the hippocampus's volume, crucial for memory formation and retrieval, and poorer cognitive performance.

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·June 20, 2023·5 min read

Social Isolation’s Health Implications: Unmasking the Mortality Risks of Loneliness

A comprehensive study underscores the alarming link between social isolation, loneliness, and heightened mortality risks. The meta-analysis, involving over two million participants, found a significant increase in all-cause mortality rates for socially isolated and lonely individuals.

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·April 26, 2023·5 min read

Pandemic Pet Pals: Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Pet Ownership, Stress, and Loneliness During Lockdown

During the COVID-19 pandemic, US dog and cat owners became closer to their pets, though pet ownership did not consistently alleviate stress and loneliness. The relationship between mental health and pet ownership was complex, with dog owners experiencing a greater reduction in stress and loneliness compared to cat owners and non-pet owners.

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·April 22, 2023·5 min read

500 Days of Solitude: One Woman’s Experience of Extreme Social Isolation Sheds Light on Time Perception

A woman who recently emerged from a cave after 500 days of isolation reported she rapidly lost her perception of time. Researchers explore how social isolation impacts time perception and the neurobiological mechanisms that may explain this phenomenon.

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·April 5, 2023·3 min read

Lonely People’s Divergent Thought Processes May Contribute to Feeling Alone in a Crowded Room

Lonely people's neural responses differ from their less lonely peers, suggesting lonely people may see the world differently from those around them, even if they have a large social network, and this may contribute to feeling lonely.

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·April 4, 2023·4 min read

Tired of Being Alone: How Social Isolation Impacts on Our Energy

A new study found people who experienced social isolation for eight hours reported higher levels of tiredness. The findings suggest low energy may be a basic human response to a lack of social communication.

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·February 14, 2023·4 min read

Social Isolation Triggers Astrocyte-Mediated Deficits in Learning and Memory

During periods of social isolation, astrocytes in the brain become hyperactive. This suppresses circuit formation and memory formation. Reversing astrocyte hyperactivity can help mitigate memory deficits associated with social isolation.

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·February 10, 2023·4 min read

Certain Social Factors Can Predict Early Death in Older Adults

Researchers have compiled a comprehensive inventory of social aspects of the aging population that can predict longevity. Feeling socially isolated, living in a neighborhood with poor cleanliness, and lower perceived control over financial situations appear to contribute to early death in the aging population.

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·February 1, 2023·3 min read

New Association Between Social Isolation and Dementia Risk Factors

Loneliness and a lack of social support contribute to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. The findings add to the growing body of evidence linking social isolation to Alzheimer's disease.