Exploring loneliness and social isolation in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults with and without Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia in the Last Years of Life
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10873311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling lonely or being socially isolated affects the health and happiness of older adults, especially those nearing the end of life, including those with Alzheimer's and related conditions, to help improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AG065438-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above, particularly those with or without Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or do not have cognitive impairments or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how loneliness and social isolation affect the health and quality of life of older adults, particularly those in their last years of life. It distinguishes between loneliness, a subjective feeling, and social isolation, an objective lack of relationships. The study aims to understand the prevalence of these issues among older adults with and without Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia, and how they relate to health outcomes and healthcare utilization. By focusing on these social factors, the research seeks to highlight their importance alongside medical care for improving patient well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and interventions for older adults facing loneliness and social isolation, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing social factors like loneliness can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotwal, Ashwin Ajit — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kotwal, Ashwin Ajit
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.