HealthBridge's In-Home Care Blog

Living alone may be hazardous to your brain health.  A new study released in the medical journal BMJ suggests that living alone significantly increases the odds of developing dementia later in life. 

The study looked at 2,000 men and women when they were about 50 years of age and then again 21 years later.  The findings are startling:

• 2 x Risk.  Middle aged adults who live alone have twice the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia later in life than those who live with a spouse or partner. 
  
• 3 x Risk.  Even worse, they found that those who lived alone because they were divorced or widowed had three times the risk.

This study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests social factors play a major role in brain health.  We’ve discussed cognitive retention a lot and we encourage a renewed focus on brain health.

But the fact is, thousands of seniors live alone and overwhelming want to remain at home.  So, how can we help preserve their brain health? 

It seems to me these data may preview a necessary shift in senior care. We know that nearly all health issues are more easily overcome by people with full cognitive function.  And we know that engaging in meaningful, interesting activities can preserve brain health. 

Let’s begin to prioritize brain health in the same urgent, focused way we respond to other major clinical problems.  Engage the senior you care for in interesting, stimulating conversation.  Take a trip to the senior center.  Play bridge.  Have fun.  Laugh.

The good news is, this prescription is good for the care recipient and caregiver. 

Image credit:  Henrik Stidsen

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