COVID-19 and Dementia: Why Socializing Safely Is Vital for Senior Health
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, many seniors are finding themselves more isolated.
- While social distancing may be reducing their risk of COVID-19, it may also be putting their health at risk in other ways.
- Researchers have found that social interaction plays an important role in keeping certain regions of the brain healthy.
- Inadequate social stimulation may be putting older adults at greater risk for developing dementia. Finding safer ways for them to engage socially may be beneficial in preventing this condition.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults — especially those in care facilities — are finding themselves more isolated due to social distancing measures.
While these policies are designed to keep them safe, researchers say they may be putting their health at risk in other ways.
According to a new study, social interaction plays an important role in keeping certain regions of the brain healthy.
Without adequate social stimulation, the researchers say, older adults may be at greater risk for developing dementia.
