Loneliness and cognition
Loneliness is associated with less efficient cognition. Continue scrolling to read key resources on the relationship between loneliness and cognition.
Leser et al. (2015)
The effects of acute social isolation on long-term social recognition memory
Systematic Review
Primary finding: During the last 15 years several independent studies have revealed that social recognition memory of mice and rats depends upon their housing conditions. Specifically, long-term social recognition memory cannot be formed as shortly as few days following social isolation of the animal. This rapid and reversible impairment caused by acute social isolation seems to be specific to social memory and has not been observed in other types of memory. Here we review these studies and suggest that this unique system may serve for exploring of the mechanisms underlying the well-known negative effects of partial or perceived social isolation on human mental health.
Friedler et al. (2014)
One is the deadliest number: the detrimental effects of social isolation on cerebrovascular diseases and cognition
Systematic Review
Primary finding: This review summarizes studies examining the relationship between isolation and mortality and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying social isolation. Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and neurological diseases including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease are given special emphasis in the context of social isolation. Sex differences are highlighted and studies are separated into clinical and basic science for clarity.
Cacioppo et al. (2009)
Perceived social isolation and cognition
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Research indicates that perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) is a risk factor for, and may contribute to, poorer overall cognitive performance, faster cognitive decline, poorer executive functioning, increased negativity and depressive cognition, heightened sensitivity to social threats, a confirmatory bias in social cognition that is self-protective and paradoxically self-defeating, heightened anthropomorphism and contagion that threatens social cohesion.
Evans et al. (2019)
Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in Later Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Sixty-five articles were identified by the systematic review and 51 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Low levels of social isolation characterized by high engagement in social activity and large social networks were associated with better late-life cognitive function. Sub-analyses suggested that the association between social isolation and measures of global cognitive function, memory, and executive function were similar and there was no difference according to gender or number of years follow-up.
Boss et al. (2015)
Loneliness and cognitive function in the older adult: a systematic review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Main findings from the ten studies largely indicate that loneliness is significantly and negatively correlated with cognitive function, specifically in domains of global cognitive function or general cognitive ability, intelligence quotient (IQ), processing speed, immediate recall, and delayed recall. However, some initial correlations were not significant after controlling for a wide range of demographic and psychosocial risk factors thought to influence loneliness.