Chronic loneliness has already been shown to have negative health effects, including an increased risk of dementia. Now, research shows that even a day of loneliness can leave a mark, too.
A recent study by researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that one or two days of loneliness coincides with decreased cognitive performance. Then, as cognitive performance decreases, loneliness increases, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.
Researchers used data collected over a period of several years from 313 adults between ages 70 and 90. These participants lived out in the community and not in long-term care facilities.
They reported their levels of loneliness and took cognitive tests while at home. The tests assessed visual associative memory, spatial memory and processing speed.
The findings, published in a scientific journal of the Gerontological Society of America, showed that participants who were lonely during the day had lower cognitive performance that same day and the next.
Lower cognitive performance could also predict higher levels of loneliness for the following day.
“These results suggest there may be a vicious cycle between loneliness and cognitive decline over the short term,” Jee eun Kang, lead author of the study, said in a press release.
The short-term cycle of loneliness and cognitive performance could potentially add up over time.
“Our data suggest that when older adults do not feel sharp, they may avoid social contact — but that could worsen the problem,” Kang said.
The study’s authors suggest that if you feel lonely, you should reach out to friends, neighbors or family. Do what you can to stave off chronic loneliness. Even just small talk during daily encounters can make a difference.
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