Childhood loneliness increases risk of dementia, study finds
According to a new study, childhood loneliness is associated with the risk of cognitive decrease and dementia in later adulthood.
Study, American Medical Association MagazineHe showed that those who were lonely or close to close friendships before the age of 17 were more likely to develop dementia, even if they were no longer felt in adulthood.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director of Sheffield Hallam University Center for Loneliness Research, said that the findings are understandable, given the radical connections between adult loneliness and cognitive decline.
He said: “Given what we already know about the connection between adult loneliness and cognitive decrease, it is not surprising that loneliness in childhood is linked to the risk of cognitive decrease and dementia in later life.
“We know that the emotional commitment in early life and the social connections of children affect their chances of being alone in life.”
According to a survey published by Oxfam in June, about half of the Gen Z in the UK is experiencing feelings of loneliness.
It was called the most lonely generation and is more prone to despair and anxiety than previous generations.
Professor Wigfield said: “Although loneliness is a normal sense of human, it is a signal of reaching more people to make social connections, and although loneliness can hit at any time at any time, there is evidence of a orbit of loneliness experiences in many age groups.
“Traditionally loneliness was associated with the elderly, but the probability of young adults between the ages of 18-24 in recent times has evidence of loneliness between 45 and 65 years of age.”
Loneliness, loneliness rates increase in children, loneliness continues to work more, he said.
“Children have a wider health effects beyond their experiences of playing meaningful relationships and creating meaningful relationships at a young age,” he added.
NSPCC’s Childline Service reported that more than 4,500 relevant consultancy calls were made, he received an increasing number of calls about loneliness last year.
Director Shaun Friekl said: “Loneliness is a challenging thing to deal with, and it may begin to have a wider effect on mental health and prosperity that is not left unacceptable.”
The study, which analyzes the data from the Chinese Health and Pension Boyuvanta Study, often defined childhood loneliness as its own emotions of the absence of friendships.
“Public health initiatives aiming to prevent and reduce loneliness should start in early life to reduce long -term effects for cognitive health and prosperity,” he said.
Alzheimer’s society says that participating in social activities can help to create the flexibility of the brain and the ability to cope with the disease. Philanthropy estimates that there are 982,000 people in the United Kingdom.
