The researchers hypothesized that the so-called default brain network in the brain, which is involved in memory and social cognition, is more likely to undergo changes related to loneliness.
“We were surprised that the data had the greatest impact,” said Nathan Spring, lead study author and associate professor of neurology at McGill University in Montreal.
The relationship between these areas became stronger and there were gray matter volumes for those who were not alone.
The results are converted to the default network, as most of the impact is caused by loneliness and isolation.
Data assets
Participants in the study, ranging in age from 40 to 69, filled out assessments that included questions asking if they felt lonely.
The researchers then compared MRI scans of self-identified lone people with people who do not experience loneliness on a regular basis.
The sheer size of the data sample is a rarity in this field of science, Spring said, and that bibliography dramatically resulted in images of its available brains last February.
“We started working with him as soon as we came out with them and it was very exciting,” Spring said.
Prior to this, most of his neuroscience work focused on engaging with only hundreds of participants – a significant number in itself. But now, with a data draw from thousands of subjects, there was a lot to learn.
“There’s an old, old saying in neurology that we always use. And it’s ‘use it or lose it,'” Hilleman said.
Although parts of the brain may develop during loneliness intended to think about creativity and the self, this may mean that other social parts of the brain will become inactive.
“The big question is, are you starting to lose other parts of the brain that are important for interaction?” Asked Hillman. “Does this eventually lead to a dementing type of disorder if you don’t use them?”
Insights into Alzheimer’s
How this study could benefit medicine more broadly is one of the more crucial topics for scientists to discuss how loneliness can alter brain structure during an epidemic – and the risk of Alzheimer’s due to their age.
“There are still many other factors that need to be investigated, such as how loneliness interacts with the APOE-4 genotype,” Spring said.
And because seniors at risk for dementia often live alone or differ more in life-sharing facilities, more research reveals how loneliness can exacerbate an already existing genetic predisposition.
“This first study was really important in terms of identifying which parts of the brain are affected by loneliness,” he said. “We’re using that information and we’re following large samples of older adults. We’re looking at how their brains age over many years, and how their experience of loneliness accelerates patterns of atrophy.”
The study is more important after years of epidemics in which social isolation is more prevalent.
“It’s very important to feel socially connected,” Spring said. “Some people, especially young adults, are likely to come out of covid-related isolation. It will be much easier. Older adults may need more help.”
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