More sociable people are less likely to suffer from dementia

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Whether you're visiting a friend or picking up the phone to call your family, social interactions have been found to matter for your risk of developing dementia.

Certain risk factors, such as age and genetics, are out of the question when it comes to dementia. Others, such as your diet, are entirely in your hands. Now, researchers suggest that your social life may also play a role. Fortunately, “simple interventions” in this area can reduce your chances of developing the dizzying condition.

Once you retire and potentially start losing friends, your social life, for obvious reasons, becomes less vibrant.

Socially isolated seniors have a 27 percent higher risk of dementia. The good news is that another study, also found in the same journal, suggests that technology may be an effective intervention that can reduce this “substantial” risk.

Overall, the studies did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between dementia and social isolation, which was defined as a lack of social contact and regular interactions with people.

“Social connections matter for our cognitive health, and it is potentially easy to change for older adults without the use of medication.”

The study participants were 65 years of age or older and were asked to complete an annual two-hour in-person interview to assess their cognitive function, health status, and general well-being. At the start of the study, 23 percent of the subjects were socially isolated and showed no signs of brain disease.

However, 21 percent of the total sample developed dementia by the end of the study, allowing the researchers to conclude that the risk is higher in socially isolated people.

One possible explanation is that fewer opportunities to socialize with other people also reduces cognitive activity, which may contribute to an increased risk of dementia.