Home

Loneliness May Increase Risk of Alzheimers

Wed, 04/26/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

The results of a recent study indicate that the lack of human contact may play a role in the development of Alzheimers Disease. The Lancet medical journal has published results of research done by Dr Laura Fratiglioni of the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center. In this study, researchers worked with 1,200 Stockholm residents, who were all over 75 years old and free of Alzheimers at the initiation of the study. After three years, 176 had developed Alzheimers, and researchers analyzed the information they had collected about the health and social networks of the study participants. These results showed that a poor social network increased the risk of dementia by 60%. Dr. Fratiglioni said that the study results indicate how important it is that older people are not left isolated in their homes as they age, and to ensure that they are given opportunities for contact and interaction.

The results of a recent study indicate that the lack of human contact may play a role in the development of Alzheimers Disease. The Lancet medical journal has published results of research done by Dr Laura Fratiglioni of the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center. In this study, researchers worked with 1,200 Stockholm residents, who were all over 75 years old and free of Alzheimers at the initiation of the study. After three years, 176 had developed Alzheimers, and researchers analyzed the information they had collected about the health and social networks of the study participants. These results showed that a poor social network increased the risk of dementia by 60%. Dr. Fratiglioni said that the study results indicate how important it is that older people are not left isolated in their homes as they age, and to ensure that they are given opportunities for contact and interaction.