Feeling disconnected or socially isolated from others in a risk factor for dementia.1 Although not all lonely people develop this cognitive issue, the link between dementia and loneliness is generally accepted within the scientific community. This assertion puts forth some considerations. First, the risk of loneliness increases as people age. For example, meeting up with people is more difficult since mobility is affected by age. Death of loved ones also becomes a stark reality. Next, advances in healthcare tend to increase life spans. This makes cases of age-related cognitive decline more common as well.
For these reasons, it is important to address dementia concerns. What are the things that can prevent it? Is it even possible to do so? Although there is still a gap in understanding fully how dementia works, research tells us that there are certain factors that influence its prevalence. Knowing these can help a person make the necessary adjustments to control the things he or she can to reduce the risk of dementia.
These are relevant to Dubai because while the city is composed of a younger population relative to other placed in the Middle East, it is considered an aging community. Dubai has a large number of migrants working in the city. This segment of society is generally young because of official policies. Work visas are usually not given after the age of 65.2 However, Dubai’s robust healthcare system lets people live longer. Dubai also has a significant number of people choosing to retire there. This makes it more necessary to consider dementia and the factors that affect it.
What is Dementia?
Dementia itself is not a disease. It is a term that describes cognitive decline symptoms such as memory loss, inability to focus, and emotional dysregulation.3 For example, Alzheimer’s Disease can cause dementia. Other conditions that can result in dementia are Huntington’s Disease, vascular dementia, and even brain injuries. Dementia has different levels of severity and can be grave enough enough to affect daily functions.
Different people experience of symptoms of dementia differently. The manifestations usually depend on the stage, which are categorized as: early-stage, middle-stage, and late-stage dementia. The symptoms tend to get progressively worse over time.4
During early-stage dementia, a person can forget things or get lost more easily. However, they are able to function independently.
In the next stage, the symptoms become more apparent. For example, someone with dementia can forget the names or faces of people they are familiar with. There can also be changes in personality such as becoming more easily agitated, partly because of difficulty in falling asleep.5 During this time, people tend to feel frustrated, fearful, and even grief over their condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage these emotions.
Finally, late-stage dementia can cause a person to need full-time care. The changes are no longer just mental. There are also physical symptoms such as incontinence and difficulty swallowing and walking.
The Dementia and Loneliness Risk Factor
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, a person’s chances of developing dementia increase by up to 60 percent if they feel socially isolated. This feeling of disconnect with other people is not necessarily related to marital status, even though consistently single people tend to have a higher chance of developing dementia compared to those who have partners.6 This is because loneliness is when a person perceives that the quality or quantity of their social relationships fall short of their expectations.7 Meaning, even people in relationships can feel lonely and isolated if they feel like their needs are not being met.
Although researchers are not exactly sure how dementia and loneliness are linked, there are several theories. It is possible that this connection is influenced by other health factors. Lonely people are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or living a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of interaction can also be a consideration. People who meet up with others stimulate their brains by gaining new experiences and having conversations, which tend to stimulate the brain.
Other Risk Factors for Dementia
Dementia and loneliness are just some of the aspects to consider. This cognitive condition has other risk factors as well. One of the most significant is age. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop it. Another risk factor is family history. It is possible that dementia has a genetic component as it tends to run in families.8 Finally, there are health conditions that can cause dementia to develop. Examples of these are increased high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Injuries in the brain such as from playing certain types of sports can also put a person at risk.
Reducing the Risk of Dementia
There is currently no cure for dementia. However, there are treatments that can help in managing the symptoms. One way people can reduce the risk of developing dementia is to live a healthy lifestyle. Blood sugar levels and blood pressure are essential factors in cardiovascular health, which directly affects the brain. Maintaining a healthy weight, which includes incorporating an active lifestyle, can also decrease health-related dementia. Since dementia and loneliness are linked, people should also invest the time to engage their brains by interacting with others. Activities such as learning a new language in a class, joining a reading group, and interacting with others can help prevent cognitive decline.
Conclusion: Quality of Life with Dementia
Dementia can be a lot to deal with. It can be a difficult experience for the diagnosed person and the family and friends. However, no one has to take the journey alone. In Dubai, healthcare facilities, including mental health clinics can provide the support needed. But despite the available assistance, it is understandable if this subject evokes apprehension or even fear for some people.
Although there is currently no surefire way to avoid dementia, a person can maintain a healthy lifestyle and social relationships to mitigate the risk. It is important to remember that these do not just help you avoid cognitive issues, but they can also help a person enjoy life fully — with or without dementia.
Cited Sources:
- Guarnera J, Yuen E, Macpherson H. The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Aging: A Narrative Review. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2023 Jun 29;7(1):699-714. doi: 10.3233/ADR-230011. PMID: 37483321; PMCID: PMC10357115. ↩︎
- Akıncı, I. (2021). Ageing, Temporary Migrants: Life beyond Retirement in Dubai (GIGA Focus Middle East, No. 6). GIGA Institute. ISSN: 1862-3611. ↩︎
- National Institutes of Health. What is dementia? Symptoms, types, and diagnosis. ↩︎
- Alzheimer’s Society. The progression and stages of dementia. ↩︎
- Duong S, Patel T, Chang F. Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2017;150(2):118-129. doi:10.1177/1715163517690745 ↩︎
- Liu H, Zhang Z, Choi SW, Langa KM. Marital Status and Dementia: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2020 Sep 14;75(8):1783-1795. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbz087. PMID: 31251349; PMCID: PMC7489107. ↩︎
- Taylor HO. Social isolation’s influence on loneliness among older adults. Clin Soc Work J. 2020;48(1):140–51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-019-00737-9. ↩︎
- Vrijsen J, Abu-Hanna A, de Rooij SE, Smidt N. Association between dementia parental family history and mid-life modifiable risk factors for dementia: a cross-sectional study using propensity score matching within the Lifelines cohort. BMJ Open. 2021 Dec 20;11(12):e049918. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049918. PMID: 34930728; PMCID: PMC8689157. ↩︎