Don’t let seasonal blues hijack your memory

Feelings of loneliness tend to ebb and flow, as you may already know.

Some days are harder than others. And sometimes, loneliness fluctuates throughout any given day.

Of course, this time of year can be particularly tough—with all of the holiday hustle and bustle around us.

So, let’s talk about how loneliness impacts your health. Then, I’ll do my best to offer some support…

A vicious cycle

As the population ages, science is looking at every angle to figure out a way to stave off or slow dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

And for years, research has shown a connection between loneliness and an increased risk for cognitive decline, including conditions like AD.

Now, a recent study reveals that even fleeting feelings of loneliness can impact cognitive performance. In fact, it seems there is a complex relationship between the two factors—and that feelings of loneliness and cognitive decline may reinforce one another.

Researchers studied older adults aged 70 to 90 who logged their momentary feelings of loneliness on a smartphone five times daily for two weeks. Participants also completed cognitive tests on their smartphones.

The study found that cognitive performance worsened on days participants felt lonelier than usual—and even the day after. Plus, feelings of loneliness seemed to reemerge quicker among adults who reported feeling lonelier than usual.

Simple suggestions to rebuild connections

I never would have guessed that feeling lonely could affect your cognitive sharpness the very next day. Or that this decreased cognitive performance could lead to increased loneliness once again a few hours later.

It’s really a vicious cycle.

And I guess it makes sense. After all, loneliness is a common stressor—and increased stress can lead to decreased cognitive functioning.

Not to mention—some researchers have proposed that loneliness may be an evolutionary cue intended to motivate us to repair or replace social relationships.

Now, we all likely feel lonely from time to time. And it was exacerbated during the pandemic.

If you or someone you love is still struggling to reconnect socially, here are a few simple tips that have worked wonders for my patients—and me:

• Pick up the phone and call instead of texting.
• Reconnect with someone you used to enjoy spending time with but haven’t seen in a while.
• Volunteer or join a local church group or senior center.
• Consider adopting a pet.

One last thing before I go…

If you’re looking for additional ways to protect and restore memory and fight against cognitive decline, check out my Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment Plan.

Source:

“Cognitive decline and loneliness linked in older adults over short time periods.” ScienceDaily, 11/12/2024. (sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112122739.htm)