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Loneliness increases Alzheimer's risk
🇹🇷 Turkey /Health & Science

Loneliness increases Alzheimer's risk

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Socialization is crucial for preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease, as loneliness significantly increases the risk.
  • Studies show that living alone increases Alzheimer's risk by 50%, while reduced social interaction raises it by 20%; combined with depression, the risk can reach 100%.
  • Maintaining cognitive health involves managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, engaging in 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, and participating in mentally stimulating activities such as reading or playing games.

The Turkish Alzheimer's Association's Adana branch recently organized a spring festival aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, bringing together citizens over 50, those at risk, and patients' families for an event filled with music, dance, and various activities.

With socialization, mental activities become more active. Thus, we preserve our cognitive reserve.

— Prof. Dr. Ahmet EvliceExplaining the benefits of social interaction for cognitive health.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Evlice, head of the association's Adana branch, highlighted the critical role of socialization in both preventing and managing Alzheimer's. He stated that social interaction stimulates mental activity, thereby preserving cognitive reserve. "International scientific studies show that the risk of the disease increases by 50% in those living alone," Evlice explained. "For individuals who isolate themselves and have limited contact with friends, the risk increases by 20%." He further emphasized that loneliness in old age often leads to depression, which in turn elevates the risk of Alzheimer's. "When depression is added to loneliness, the disease risk rises to 100%," he warned, stressing the importance of ensuring the elderly lead social and happy lives.

International scientific studies show that the risk of the disease increases by 50% in those living alone.

— Prof. Dr. Ahmet EvliceHighlighting the increased risk of Alzheimer's for individuals living in isolation.

Evlice also touched upon the broader issue of dementia, noting that approximately 1 million people in Turkey are estimated to have the condition, a number expected to rise with the aging population. Globally, the World Health Organization reported 57 million dementia cases in 2021, with an additional 10 million cases annually. He cautioned that Turkey's rapidly aging population, despite its currently young demographic, will face a significant increase in dementia cases, necessitating proactive measures.

When depression is added to loneliness, the disease risk rises to 100%.

— Prof. Dr. Ahmet EvliceEmphasizing the compounded risk of Alzheimer's when loneliness is coupled with depression.

To combat these risks, Evlice recommended controlling chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol. He advised 150 minutes of moderate-intensity walking per week and encouraged citizens to socialize, read books, play board games, or engage in any mentally stimulating activities they enjoy. Studies indicate that individuals who adhere to these practices and maintain a regular lifestyle can reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's by up to 45%.

We recommend 150 minutes of moderate-tempo walking three days a week.

— Prof. Dr. Ahmet EvliceAdvising on physical activity for disease prevention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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