--- title: Loneliness Impacts Development of Dementia description: Development Dementia Impacted Loneliness Social isolation challenge image: https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1184817238.jpg --- [Back to Resource Center](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center) # Loneliness Impacts Development of Dementia ##### October 13, 2022 ![Loneliness Impacts Development of Dementia](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1184817238.jpg) ![Picture of Laurel McLaughlin](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) **By: [Laurel McLaughlin](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/author/laurel-mclaughlin) ** 1 min read Social isolation has always been a challenge for older adults, but the COVID-19 pandemic exasperated this problem. A[ recent study following 2,000 participants over 10 years completed by NYU researchers](https://n.neurology.org/content/98/13/e1337) explored how loneliness increased the risk of dementia over 3x for people over 80, even when they were otherwise at low risk. Loneliness also resulted in poor executive functioning.  With the right intervention, loneliness can be managed and ultimately delay the onset of cognitive impairments, according to lead researcher Dr. Joel Salinas.  *“**This study is a reminder that, if we want to prioritize brain health, we can’t ignore the role of psychosocial factors like loneliness and the social environments we live in day-to-day.  Sometimes, the best way to take care of ourselves and the people we love is simply to regularly reach out and check in—to acknowledge and be acknowledged*[*.”- Dr. Salinas to NYULangone Health NewsHub*](https://nyulangone.org/news/loneliness-associated-increased-risk-dementia-older-adults) * *Together Senior Health is combating isolation and loneliness through connecting older adults in our Moving Together and Brain Health programs to prevent cognitive decline. [envelope icon ](mailto:?body=https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/loneliness) [facebook-f icon ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/loneliness) [linkedin-in icon ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/loneliness) ## Related Resources [![A Comprehensive Approach to Dementia Care](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/hubfs/shutterstock_501087853.jpg) ](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/a-comprehensive-approach) ##### [Cognitive Health](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/cognitive-health)  •  [Research & Studies](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/research-studies)  •  [Moving Together Programs](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/moving-together-programs)  •  October 13, 2022 [A Comprehensive Approach to Dementia Care](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/a-comprehensive-approach) [Read More](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/a-comprehensive-approach) [![Together Applauds Updated National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/hubfs/shutterstock_2202987019.jpg) ](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/together-applauds-updated-alzheimers-plan) ##### [Prevention](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/prevention)  •  [Cognitive Health](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/cognitive-health)  •  [HealthCare](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/healthcare)  •  October 13, 2022 [Together Applauds Updated National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/together-applauds-updated-alzheimers-plan) [Read More](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/together-applauds-updated-alzheimers-plan) [![Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Deborah Barnes Joins Roundtable on Improving Healthcare for Older Adults](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/hubfs/Redesign%20Roundtable.avif) ](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/senior-health-roundtable) ##### [Company News](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/company-news)  •  [Redesign Health](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/tag/redesign-health)  •  October 13, 2022 [Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Deborah Barnes Joins Roundtable on Improving Healthcare for Older Adults](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/senior-health-roundtable) [Read More](https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/resource-center/senior-health-roundtable)