A new study has revealed the incredibly important role of social connections in maintaining brain health. Scientists from Rush University in the USA conducted an experiment in which more than a thousand elderly people participated. As IZ reports with reference to Science Alert, the results are impressive: socially active people maintained their mental clarity for five years longer than their less active peers. This discovery could change the approach to combating dementia, making socialization an important component of preventing cognitive impairment.
Study participants who frequently met with friends, relatives, or volunteered had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not have such connections. Social activities have been shown to be an important factor in the fight against cognitive decline. Moreover, those who were more active in their social lives had a 38% lower chance of developing dementia compared to those who were less active.
The study measured social activity using a variety of measures, such as attending sporting events, spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, and participating in volunteer projects. It found a clear link between social connections and brain health. Other factors, such as physical activity, were also important, but social connections were a key component of health in old age.
These findings underscore the importance of social connections in our lives. They help maintain not only emotional balance, but also physical and cognitive health. As the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted social interactions, scientists believe that it is more important than ever to create initiatives that help older people stay active in their social lives, which in turn can have a positive impact on their health.
As we previously reported, a new study reveals a completely new approach to understanding cancer risks.
