Isolation could be risk in developing dementia

BEING socially isolated is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.

According to the study, it is social isolation rather than the feeling of loneliness that is linked to the condition.

Researchers suggest this means isolation could be used to predict the risk of someone in the UK developing dementia.

Social isolation is measured by the behaviour, by how isolated from other people a person is, whereas loneliness is a subjective, self-reported measure, meaning someone may have lots of connections but still feel lonely.

After taking into consideration various risk factors, including chronic illness and depression, socially isolated people were shown to have a 26% increased likelihood of developing dementia.