Loneliness and Risk of Dementia

TitleLoneliness and Risk of Dementia
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsSutin, AR, Stephan, Y, Luchetti, M, Terracciano, A
JournalThe Journals of Gerontology: Series B
Volume75
Issue7
Pagination1414-1422
ISSN Number1079-5014
KeywordsDementia, Depressive symptoms, Loneliness, Risk Factors
Abstract

Objective
The present study tests whether loneliness is associated with risk of dementia in the largest sample to date and further examines whether the association is independent of social isolation, a related but independent component of social integration, and whether it varies by demographic factors and genetic vulnerability.

Method
Participants from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 12,030) reported on their loneliness, social isolation, and had information on clinical, behavioral, and genetic risk factors. Cognitive status was assessed at baseline and every 2 years over a 10-year follow-up with the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICSm). A TICSm score of 6 or less was indicative of dementia.

Results
Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that loneliness was associated with a 40% increased risk of dementia. This association held controlling for social isolation, and clinical, behavioral, and genetic risk factors. The association was similar across gender, race, ethnicity, education, and genetic risk.

Discussion
Loneliness is associated with increased risk of dementia. It is one modifiable factor that can be intervened on to reduce dementia risk.

DOI10.1093/geronb/gby112
Citation Key9873
PubMed ID30365023
Grant ListR01 AG053297 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States