Social Connection and Brain Health: Loneliness, Isolation and Dementia

People are wired for company, and that does not change with age. Research links loneliness and social isolation in later life with a higher risk of dementia, as well as heart disease and depression. The research cannot yet say how much of that link is cause and effect. This page covers what the evidence shows, practical ways to stay connected, and why shared activities matter so much for people already living with dementia.

Are loneliness and isolation linked with dementia?

Yes, many studies link them, though the direction is not fully clear. The 2024 Lancet Commission lists social isolation in later life as one of 14 modifiable risk factors. UCL’s summary of the report puts it at about 5% of dementia cases worldwide.

What the evidence shows:

• Less contact, higher risk. The Commission describes two reviews that linked less frequent social contact with a higher risk of dementia. One found about 57% higher risk and the other about 18%.
• Loneliness too. Loneliness, the feeling of being cut off, was also linked with higher dementia risk across several reviews.
• The Surgeon General’s view. In May 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory on loneliness and isolation. It states that chronic loneliness and isolation can raise the risk of dementia by about 50% in older adults. It also linked poor social connection with a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
• How common it is. A National Academies report found that about 24% of Americans aged 65 and older living in the community are socially isolated.

An important caution: the Lancet Commission notes that people may cut back on social activities during the early, undiagnosed phase of dementia. That means some of the link may be dementia causing withdrawal, not only withdrawal raising risk. Nearly all of this evidence comes from observational studies.

What is the difference between loneliness and isolation?

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains it this way. Social isolation means having few social contacts or few people to interact with regularly. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. Someone can live alone happily, and someone can feel lonely in a full room.

The NIA lists factors that raise the risk of both:

• Hearing or vision problems
• Trouble getting around, or no transportation
• Living alone, or a major loss such as a spouse’s death or retirement
• Memory or thinking changes
• Caring for a loved one who is unwell
• Money worries or language barriers

Hearing is a big one. The NIA notes that people who cannot hear well may withdraw because conversation becomes frustrating or embarrassing. Our hearing and brain health guide covers hearing checks and over-the-counter hearing aids.

Practical ways to stay connected

The NIA suggests a range of ideas. Pick one or two that fit:

• Schedule regular contact. A set time each day or week to call, text, email or send a card with family, friends or neighbors.
• Use video calls or smart speakers. If technology is new, many public libraries and community centers offer classes. See our phone and video calls guide.
• Join something. A class, faith community, walking club or volunteer role gives you contact and a sense of purpose.
• Restart an old hobby or learn a new one with other people.
• Move with others. Exercise with a friend or group. Our exercise guide has gentle options.
• Consider a pet if you can care for one.
• Use local services. Senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging and the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) can point you to programs and transportation.

Why do shared activities matter in dementia?

For someone already living with dementia, connection is about enjoyment, comfort and feeling included, not about lowering risk. The Lancet Commission states that activities help people with dementia keep enjoyment and purpose. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that, in addition to enhancing quality of life, activities can reduce behaviors like wandering or agitation. The NIA adds that people with Alzheimer’s need to be active and do things they enjoy.

Ideas that work well:

1. Look at pictures together. Conversation Cards offer open, no-quiz prompts such as “Tell me about…” See our reminiscence guide.
2. Play side by side. Picture Pairs keeps pictures visible and has no timer or score, so there is no pressure. Our guide on how to play together has tips.
3. Use family photos. Photo Pairs turns photos you choose into a matching game, and the photos stay on your device.
4. Bring people together. Picture Bingo works for family gatherings and care home groups.
5. Share music, chores or the garden. See music activities, household tasks and our full list of activity ideas.
6. Make visits easier. Our visiting guide covers short, calm visits that feel good for everyone.

Keep it small and relaxed. A quiet room with one or two people often works better than a big group. If the person tires or loses interest, stopping is fine. Sitting together with a cup of tea is a good outcome too.

For someone living alone with dementia, the NIA suggests finding a trusted person who can visit or video call regularly and serve as an emergency contact. It also mentions a local memory cafe, a relaxed social space for people with memory loss and their families.

Caregivers get lonely too

The NIA lists caring for a loved one as a risk factor for isolation. Protect some time for your own friendships, support groups and rest. Our caregiver self-care guide has practical ideas.

Talk with a doctor

If you or someone you care for feels lonely or isolated much of the time, tell a doctor. The NIA encourages people to share major life changes, such as a death in the family, so the doctor understands the full picture. Feeling low for weeks at a time can be depression, which can be treated. If an older adult has newly pulled away from friends or activities they used to enjoy, that change is worth mentioning to a doctor too. Read early signs and when to see a doctor.

This page is general information, not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.