Loneliness can Shrink Your Brain

THE UK IS experiencing an epidemic, not viral infections, bad habits, or dietary choices.

Its chronic loneliness encompasses a profound sense of seclusion and the absence of significant interpersonal connections. According to the Office for National Statistics data, this issue currently impacts a staggering 3.83 million individuals in the United Kingdom.

The data indicates that individuals below 30 are the most socially isolated demographic. Specifically, individuals between the ages of 16 and 29 are twice as prone to experiencing persistent loneliness compared to those aged 70 and above.

The experience does not align with the transient solitude that individuals may encounter when their children depart for college or when a romantic partnership concludes. Instead, it pertains to an overwhelming and enduring sense of seclusion that significantly impacts one's psychological state.

The issue of loneliness has emerged as a notable health concern that has experienced a persistent increase after the pandemic. And the harmful effects of loneliness on health have been recognised for a considerable period. However, researchers are currently unravelling the underlying causes behind this phenomenon. Recent research has revealed a concerning correlation between loneliness and brain atrophy, increasing susceptibility to dementia.

A study conducted by researchers from Kyushu University in Japan examined a sample of over 9,000 individuals aged 65 and above. The researchers examined the MRI brain scans of the individuals, who then established a correlation between these findings and data pertaining to the subjects' frequency of social interactions with family members and friends.

The findings, published in the scientific journal Neurology in July, indicated that individuals with limited social interactions exhibited reduced brain sizes, particularly in regions such as the hippocampus and amygdala that are associated with the development of dementia. According to researchers, a potential correlation exists between an absence of social interaction and the expedited process of cerebral atrophy during ageing.

Several studies have demonstrated that frequent verbal and social interactions stimulate the nerve impulses necessary for establishing novel connections among brain cells, hence preserving brain volume.

However, the effects of loneliness on health extend beyond this singular consequence. Indeed, The Surgeon General of the United States, who holds the highest medical position in the country, drew a parallel between the health consequences of a specific phenomenon and the act of smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily.

According to research findings, those aged 60 and above who experience social isolation may reduce their lifespan by around five years compared to their non-lonely counterparts. The heightened risk of several health disorders, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia, has been identified as contributing to this phenomenon.

A study published in the European Heart Journal examined the risk of cardiovascular disease over ten years in a sample of 18,509 persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom.

Type 2 diabetes is a significant independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, primarily due to its detrimental effects on the circulatory system. However, the study unveiled that the risks were significantly amplified, with a 26% increase, for individuals who experienced the conditions above and endured a solitary lifestyle characterised by a lack of companionship and social interaction.

However, considering the potentially severe consequences, it is worth exploring the potential impact of experiencing a sense of exclusion from various aspects of life on one's physical well-being.

One mechanism is the body's response to perceived danger, which releases the hormone cortisol, leading to heightened heart rate and blood pressure. This physiological reaction prepares individuals to confront or escape the impending threat. The experience of chronic loneliness can lead to the continuous activation of stress, resulting in a persistent and enduring cortisol response.

Research indicates that consistent exposure to elevated amounts of cortisol can lead to an elevation in blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, which are considered detrimental lipids in the bloodstream.

In a scholarly publication titled "Heart," researchers from Newcastle University conducted a study in 2016 which established a correlation between loneliness and a 30% elevated likelihood of experiencing a stroke or developing coronary heart disease.

According to Professor Chris Gale, a consultant cardiologist at Leeds University School of Medicine, the experience of loneliness has the potential to induce elevated levels of stress that can adversely impact the cardiovascular system.

When an individual experiences stress, the body can secrete chemicals, such as adrenaline, which can elicit physiological responses, such as an accelerated heart rate and elevated blood pressure.

Additional processes are being examined because some individuals experience feelings of loneliness despite being in the presence of others. Consequently, researchers are investigating whether there are distinct impacts associated with loneliness and social isolation.

A study published in Scientific Reports in 2020 found that loneliness and social isolation are associated with decreased walking speed, balance, and delayed standing up from a seated position.

Based on the available information, engaging in social interactions and expanding one's social network is recommended. However, the nature of the relationship is also of significance.

Researchers at Stirling University conducted a study that revealed a significant correlation between feelings of loneliness and the presence of physical touch with a friend or loved one, emphasising that mere companionship alone does not suffice. Scientific Reports indicate that even within cohabiting partnerships, the experience of loneliness decreased when individuals engaged in regular physical contact, such as hand-holding or embracing.

Additionally, engaging in traditional pastimes can also be beneficial.

The researchers concluded that letter writing proved to be an effective method for addressing feelings of loneliness, and it exhibited distinct characteristics compared to email and texting.