New research out of the US has found older people who regularly spend time socially engaging with others seem to retain stronger grey matter in the parts of the brain where dementia is most common.
The paper, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, studied 293 people living at home, with an average age of 83, by giving them brain scans that measured the cellular integrity of brain cells used for social engagement – the first study of its kind.
The findings suggest that “prescribing” socialisation could be benefit older people in warding off dementia – in much the same way as physical activity can help to prevent diabetes or heart disease.
The participants provided detailed information about their social engagement and were scored using a tool developed by the researchers. High scores were awarded to people who did things like play board games; go to movies; travel long distance; attend classes, lectures or adult education events; participate in church or other community activities; get together with children, friends, relatives or neighbours at least once a week; volunteer or work; be married and live with others.
Social isolation may put older adults at risk
Lead author Cynthia Felix, M.D., M.P.H., a geriatrician and a post-doctoral associate in Pitt Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology, and her colleagues found that greater social engagement is related to better microstructural integrity of brain grey matter in these older adults.
Keeping your brain healthy is of critical importance as we age as once brain cells die, dementia generally follows.
“Our data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic, but I believe our findings are particularly important right now, since a one-size-fits-all social isolation of all older adults may place them at risk for conditions such as dementia,” Dr Felix said.
“Older adults should know it is important for their brain health that they still seek out social engagement in safe and balanced ways during the pandemic.”
Moderate “doses” of time with family or friends beneficial
The researchers say social engagement with at least one other relative or friend activates specific brain regions needed to recognise familiar faces and emotions, make decisions and feel rewarded.
The good news is that even moderate “doses” seem to be beneficial.
With dementia the third biggest killer of Australian men – and the leading cause of death for Australian women – it’s a reminder to make sure we all make the most of our time with others.
