While social isolation has long been known a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, a new study showed that being more sociable can be an early sign of the neurodegenerative disease.The study examined the social habits and genetic data of half a million British people whose average age was 56.
Researchers from the University of California San Francisco and Boston University found that Alzheimer’s may make people more sociable rather than less — at least in the early stages.
The study shows that at its earliest stage Alzheimer’s doesn’t make people less socially engaged.
“Their social lives may even expand,” said co-senior author Ashwin Kotwal, from USCF. “We don’t know for sure if they are engaging more with others, or if those around them are noticing subtle changes and giving them more support,” he added.
The data from UK Biobank showed that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s reported less isolation, participation in a wider range of social activities and happier family relationships.
No differences were found between higher-risk and lower-risk individuals in measuring loneliness, friendship quality and emotional support.
Social connectedness is believed to delay or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by promoting cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to maintain normal function despite aging or dementia.
The research showed that other non-genetic factors influencing Alzheimer’s are physical inactivity, uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure, poor sleep, depression, current smoking and certain medications.