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social isolation

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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.

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·January 11, 2023·2 min read

Does Social Isolation Affect Older Adults’ Risk of Developing Dementia?

Older adults who face social isolation have a 28% increased risk of developing dementia than those who have frequent social interactions.

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·November 29, 2022·4 min read

Toward Early Detection of the Pathological Social Withdrawal Syndrome Known as ‘Hikikomori’

Hikikomori is a complex condition where a person withdraws from society and remains isolated at home for more than six months. The condition is becoming more prevalent in Western societies. Researchers have developed a new method designed to help detect hikikomori at an earlier stage and provide treatment.