How loneliness and social isolation affect brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between loneliness, social isolation, and their impact on cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease. It aims to identify effective strategies to reduce loneliness and social isolation, which are linked to cognitive decline. By studying the underlying brain and behavioral mechanisms, the research seeks to develop interventions that promote social connections and improve mental and physical health in older adults. The goal is to enhance quality of life and prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Rochester
  Rochester, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Van Orden, Kimberly Allison — University of Rochester
• Study coordinator: Van Orden, Kimberly Allison

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Using smartphones to spot isolation and loneliness linked to Alzheimer’s risk

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  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11297690

• How loneliness affects brain aging and Alzheimer's disease risk

  This study is looking at how feeling lonely might affect the brains of older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find clues that could help us understand and predict changes in brain health.

  NIH research Mcgill University · Montreal, Canada · NIH-11081953

• Exploring loneliness and social isolation in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease.

  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.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10873311

• How loneliness affects brain aging and Alzheimer's disease risk

  This study is looking at how feeling lonely might affect brain health as we age, especially for older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's, to help us understand if loneliness can lead to changes in the brain and speed up memory problems.

  NIH research Mcgill University · Montreal, Canada · NIH-10836473

• Using digital tools to identify social isolation and loneliness in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease

  This study is looking at how feeling lonely or isolated might affect memory and thinking skills in older adults, and it uses smartphones to track social interactions in real-time to help find new ways to keep your brain healthy.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-10521991

• Lipids and brain aging in Alzheimer's disease

  Aims to understand how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease by studying blood and brain-related lipid patterns.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-11606401

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.