The study pooled results of 13 international studies, which followed people aged 65 years and above over long periods of time, making it more diverse than previous studies.
Clinical psychologist and CHeBA researcher Suraj Samtani has recently been awarded a Dementia Australia Research Foundation post-doctoral fellowship to trial a social cognition intervention for older adults with memory concerns.
Dr Samtani said previous research had confirmed that social connections were important for health and isolation increased the risk of dementia and death.
“Our goal was to find which social connections protect us from dementia and death,” Dr Samtani said.
“We looked at social variables across these studies, such as living with others, interacting with friends and family, engaging in community activities and social support.
“We wanted to know which of these are associated with risk of getting dementia over time or dying.”
Among the study participants, good social connections were associated with a lower risk of MCI, dementia and death.
“We found that frequent interactions — monthly or weekly — with family and friends and having someone to talk to reduced the risk of getting dementia,” Dr Samtani said.
“We also found that living with others and doing community activities reduced the risk of dying.”
Why would social interaction be linked to MCI, dementia and death? Many other studies show that poor social connections are associated with poorer lifestyle and poorer health.
For example, close relationships can have a stress-buffering effect, as we confide in and receive support from these individuals. Controlling stress is important for brain and overall health.
Another example is that our family, friends and community members may influence us to take on healthy behaviours. This phenomenon, exemplified by your friends dragging you to parkrun at 7am on a Saturday, is known as ‘social contagion’.
But the findings have left researchers wondering what comes first, the chicken or the egg?
Participants who already had MCI or dementia at the beginning of the studies were excluded from the analysis. However, it is possible they had some undetected cognitive and physical health issues. These could impact their social interactions, rather than the other way around.
Dr Samtani recommends prioritising social connection to reduce risk of cognitive decline.
“Try to meet with friends and family at least once a month, take part in community activities like volunteering or a Rotary club, and open your heart to someone when you feel stressed,” Dr Samtani said.
“Living with others, for example in an intergenerational household, is also helpful.
“Connecting with others helps us to keep our bodies and minds healthy.”
