Loneliness increases risk of dementia

Review of 21 long-term studies states risks increase by over 30% irrespective of age and gender

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Loneliness is a major risk factor that increases the risk of dementia by over 30 percent, regardless of age or gender, a review of 21 long-term studies involving over six lakh participants worldwide has found.

Loneliness, which involves one feeling dissatisfied with their social relationships, was also linked with symptoms preceding the stage of being diagnosed with dementia, such as cognitive impairment or decline.

Both conditions affect decision-making, memory and thought process. However, dementia's symptoms are severe enough to interfere with one's daily functioning.