How social connections and loneliness affect thinking in older adults

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project looks at older adults to understand how the number of social contacts and the feeling of loneliness relate to memory and thinking changes over time. It uses data from existing large studies to see if mismatches between loneliness and social networks (social asymmetry) predict cognitive decline and dementia risk, especially when physical or psychological health is stressed. By following participants over several years, researchers aim to identify when and for whom loneliness and isolation most affect brain health. The work focuses on people 21 and older who are at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Northwestern University
  Chicago, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Graham, Eileen Kranz — Northwestern University
• Study coordinator: Graham, Eileen Kranz

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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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.