Hidden Threat Increases Dementia Risk by 50%

And it affects more than 40 percent of seniors

When we think of certain habits that can increase the risk of dementia, things like smoking, a poor diet, or alcohol might come to mind. 

These are the obvious risks. 

But there are other less obvious ones that could be as dangerous—or worse. 

One in particular can raise your risk of dementia by 50 percent. 

It has less to do with WHAT you’re doing, and more to do with WHO you’re doing it with. 

That’s because loneliness and social isolation is bad for your brain, your overall health, and your longevity. 

Even the CDC acknowledges that loneliness is a serious public health risk. 

In addition to increasing the risk of dementia by 50 percent, it’s also associated with a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke. 

And lonely hospitalized heart failure patients have a four times increased risk of death! 

This is a major risk for older adults. 

One-third of Americans over 45 report feeling lonely. The number is even higher for those over 65 years old. 

And for older adults who live alone, have lost loved ones, or have hearing loss, the percentage is even higher. 

COVID hasn’t helped, either. 

Sheltering in place, quarantines, and fear have kept people more alone and isolated than ever. Surveys have shown that loneliness increased 20-30 percent during just the first month of COVID, and emotional distress tripled. 

On the flip side, among the people who live the longest, socialization is always among the reasons for their long, healthy lives. 

If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, it’s not always easy to establish connections. But as studies like this show, it’s critical for your mental and physical health and longevity.