Interview Times 
FEATURE: A recent review of 21 long-term studies has found that loneliness can increase the risk of developing dementia by over 30%, regardless of a person’s age or gender. The study, which analyzed data from over 600,000 participants worldwide, highlights the significant impact of social isolation on cognitive health.
Loneliness, characterized by dissatisfaction with social relationships, has been linked not only to the onset of dementia but also to early symptoms like cognitive impairment and decline. These early signs, while affecting memory, decision-making, and thought processes, are often not severe enough to disrupt daily functioning. Dementia, however, progresses to a stage where it severely interferes with a person’s ability to manage day-to-day tasks.
The findings emphasize the importance of addressing social isolation and mental well-being as key factors in reducing the risk of dementia, as loneliness continues to pose a growing public health challenge worldwide.
