The link between loneliness and dementia
The link between loneliness and dementia - managing loneliness together
Many people will experience loneliness in some form during their life, but it is only more recently that it has been considered as a real concern to physical health. Social isolation has been linked to an increased risk in cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes and research also suggests a link between loneliness and dementia.
Physical interaction and engagement are fundamental to human existence, however, the enforced isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic lead many more people of all ages to experience real loneliness. An international study in 2021 found that the prevalence of perceived severe loneliness increased from 6% to 21% during the pandemic. With more people experiencing loneliness, the association of loneliness and dementia becomes even more relevant.
How many people in the UK live alone with dementia?
According to data from the NHS, in September 2024 the number of people in England with a dementia diagnosis was over 495,000. However, the actual number of people living with dementia is likely much higher, with reports of figures over 982,000 across the UK. Of these it is estimated that over 120,000 live alone.
In an aging population and a general increase in life expectancy it is likely that these figures will continue to grow. A report by the Alzheimer’s Society and healthcare consultants Carnall Farrar suggests that by 2040 the number of people with dementia will be over 2.4 million people and current predictions are that around 240,000 will be living on their own.
Does loneliness cause dementia?
Many studies relating to dementia risk factors are carried out every year and as a result, 14 health and lifestyle factors have been identified. Whilst things such as such as age and genetics cannot be controlled, researchers have calculated that if these other health and lifestyle contraindications are addressed, nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented or delayed.
The link between loneliness and dementia is one of the lifestyle factors now recognised by professionals. One research team found that loneliness is critically important for cognitive health. Their results found that people who felt lonely had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s than those who were not classified as lonely.
It is important to understand here, that living alone does not equate to loneliness. Many people are fully independent and happy by themselves, whilst others will feel lonely without regular social contact. It is also possible to be surrounded by others and still experience loneliness.
Although the exact link is not yet clear, the connection between loneliness and dementia could be attributed to any of the following reasons.
Spending time and interacting with people can make us feel happier and more positive. Social engagement with other people can help keep our brains active and our minds mentally stimulated. Studies have found that the learning and memory centres in the brain are smaller in people who are socially isolated. These areas are typically the first to be affected by dementia. Loneliness can increase the risk of depression which, untreated, is another factor attributed to dementia. Being socially isolated can sometimes lead to a less healthy lifestyle and people may be less physically active, may smoke and perhaps drink more alcohol, all additional factors that can increase the risk of dementia.
Does dementia cause loneliness?
So, there is clear evidence that loneliness can be a contributing factor in the onset of dementia, but should it also be reasoned that dementia can cause loneliness?
There is one train of thought that suggests social isolation could in itself be a symptom of the very early stages of dementia. Before any other recognised signs of dementia are noted, some people may become withdrawn, choosing to spend less time with others and not doing the things they used to enjoy.
Experiencing loneliness and dementia can go hand in hand for many. Families are often scattered these days, so many people with dementia don’t have that immediate support and it can be hard sometimes to rely on friends. In other instances, family and friends may find it difficult to understand and interact with the person with dementia, resulting in them reducing contact. Additionally, some people may not feel comfortable opening up about their illness and will choose to spend more time on their own, leading to further feelings of isolation and loneliness and risking the onset of depression.
Dementia and loneliness can have repercussions stretching beyond the individual with the illness. Loneliness can also have a significant impact on partners and carers of someone with dementia. One study funded by the Alzheimer’s Society found that nearly half of family carers reported moderate loneliness and a fifth said they felt severely lonely. It is therefore important that carers also consider their own mental health and take steps to avoid becoming socially isolated.
How can we manage loneliness and dementia?
We can all feel lonely sometimes, but if you start to feel lonely more often, then the loneliness itself can make you feel less like doing things and you are at risk of becoming socially isolated. Staying connected with people has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing by keeping us mentally stimulated and socially active. This social connection can help the brain become more resilient to damage which can help in the prevention and management of dementia.
Research carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic found that a third of people with mild to moderate dementia reported experiencing loneliness. This figure was comparative to the older population in general, but with age as a significant risk factor for dementia, it is important to recognise the link between loneliness and dementia and consider how this can be addressed.
Stay active
- Go for a walk or do some other form of gentle exercise.
- Take part in local activities.
- Keep up with a hobby or start a new one.
- Visit places of interest with a friend or local group.
Stay connected
- Build a good support network of family, friends, neighbours and professional.
- Keep in touch with the local community such as local shops, your pharmacist, your community centre or church.
- Stay connected with others through hobbies and interests.
Talk to others
- Make a plan to talk to people regularly, a phone call or a visit.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings.
- Call your GP or a specialist charities for support and advice.
- Join a local support group.
Never Alone – tackling loneliness together
Loneliness is something that many people will experience at some stage in their lives. It is important that we recognise the feelings of emptiness and isolation and take steps to address it. Not everyone has family close by and sometimes it can be easier to open up to someone not connected to you personally, which is why we began the Never Alone programme at CPJ Field.
The Never Alone initiative provides you with an opportunity to connect with others and learn new things as you combat isolation and loneliness. Through the Never Alone programme we hold our own community events and provide information on other local groups where you can learn new skills and meet with like-minded people. We also offer support with where you can find advice on mental health and wellbeing concerns, as well as practical guidance on administrative, legal and financial matters.
Loneliness can be caused by many different life events, so whether you are affected by loneliness and dementia or are feeling lonely for any other reason, our Never Alone programme is open to you.
Find out more about Never Alone near you.
