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social isolation

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 8, 2022·4 min read

Amylin Peptide in the Brain Senses Isolation and Drives Social Contact-Seeking Behavior

Contact-seeking behavior in mice is driven by amylin peptide in the medial preoptic area of the forebrain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·February 8, 2022·5 min read

Loneliness Associated With Increased Risk of Dementia in Older Adults

Study reports a three-fold increased risk of developing dementia in older adults with no genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, who experience social isolation and loneliness.

This shows an old man sitting alone on a bench

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2022·5 min read

Social Isolation Among Older Adults Linked to Having Fewer Teeth

Socially isolated older adults are more likely to have missing teeth and an accelerated rate of tooth loss compared to those with stronger social networks, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 10, 2022·4 min read

Years Lived Alone And / Or Serial Break-Ups Strongly Linked to Inflammation in Men

Men who spend several years living alone or experience serial relationship breakups are at increased risk of inflammation, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 8, 2022·5 min read

Smoking Increases Social Isolation and Loneliness

Previous research indicated social isolation and loneliness is a driver of smoking behaviors. A new study reports smoking itself may lead to social isolation and loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2021·3 min read

Social Isolation Linked to Higher Markers of Inflammation in Older Adults

Blood samples taken from older adults who experienced social isolation had higher levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, two biomarkers of inflammation.

This shows a woman sitting alone in a corner

Featured Psychology

·September 25, 2021·5 min read

Lack of Trust Exacerbates Loneliness Spiral

Study reveals lonely people showed reduced activity in the anterior insular cortex, an area of the brain associated with trust formation. The anterior insular cortex was less prominently connected to other brain regions in those who expressed feelings of loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 7, 2021·4 min read

Social Isolation Can Be Deadly for Older Adults

Socially isolated older adults are more likely to die when admitted to ICU or face an increased risk of disability once discharged than those who have social support.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 2, 2021·4 min read

Study Highlights Mental Health Impacts of Isolation

Following periods of acute isolation, female mice display a strong desire to socialize with other females by significantly increasing their production of social calls that are much like human emotional vocalizations. The behavioral response provides a new avenue to understand neural mechanisms through which social isolation affects a person's social motivation and mental health.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 16, 2021·6 min read

Having a Good Listener Improves Your Brain Health

Having at least one person you can rely on to listen to your concerns when you need to talk can help improve cognitive resilience and stave off cognitive decline associated with neurodegeneration and aging.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 11, 2021·6 min read

Memory and Information Processing Affected by Isolation

30% of people reported changes in cognition, memory, and problems with information processing as a result of social isolation caused by pandemic lockdowns.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 26, 2021·4 min read

65+ and Lonely? Don’t Talk to Your Doctor About Another Prescription

Researchers say older adults who feel lonely are twice as likely to use opioids to control pain, and 2.5 times more likely to be prescribed anti-anxiety medications and sedatives than those who have a more socially active lifestyle.