The doctor spoke about the harmful effects of social isolation on the health of the elderly

In conditions of social isolation, elderly people have a significantly increased risk of developing cognitive problems. To maintain the cognitive functions of the brain, it requires constant stimulation, and communication is one of the most effective methods. This was told to Izvestia on April 30 by a general practitioner, a geriatrician, and an expert of the Dementia social project.net Kirill Goodbye.

As explained by Prosdaev, people suffering from communication deficits often move less, which leads to physical inactivity. This, in turn, causes an increase in sarcopenia, an age—associated loss of muscle mass and physical strength. In addition, the condition of joints and bones deteriorates due to insufficient stress necessary to maintain their activity.

Social isolation is also associated with an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies in the body of older people, as their diet becomes more meager and limited. Combined, this leads not only to cognitive problems, but also to a worsening of the course of chronic somatic diseases, such as heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.

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"Social isolation leads to cognitive deprivation — that is, a lack of information about the world around us, as a result of which neurotransmitter activity decreases and reserves of cognitive reserve are depleted. This happens at the molecular level, but it is impossible to see these effects on an MRI scan," the expert noted.

The doctor clarified that there is no specific part of the brain that suffers from social isolation to a greater or lesser extent. If a person has symptoms of a brain disease, then some signs of dementia can be seen on an MRI scan, but it cannot be said that this is a consequence of social isolation — it is a manifestation of the disease.

"Social isolation is one of the risk factors for cognitive disorders. It, along with another cascade of problems, increases the risk of developing dementia," added Prosdaev.

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As noted by Proschaev, social isolation itself does not cause any direct biochemical changes in the body, however, it can provoke processes that may be accompanied by various biochemical consequences. For example, malnutrition can lead to a deficiency of essential nutrients and vitamins, which in turn can worsen the course of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus.

Modern technologies can help to overcome social isolation. There are even robots that can become companions for the elderly.

"We must remember one thing, that all modern means of overcoming social isolation are additional means. None of them can be the main one — they are designed to diversify and enhance the effect of live communication, but not replace it," the doctor emphasized.

Having animals at home is certainly a positive factor for maintaining cognitive abilities. Although it is quite difficult to say which animal is best suited for this purpose. From the point of view of logic, it is better to get a pet dog — you will need to take it for a walk every day, which will help maintain physical activity and increase contacts with other people, the expert said.

Communicating with animals can also improve the mood of a person with dementia, but it is important to talk about communication, not full ownership — that is, the owner of the animal must be with preserved cognitive functions, simply from the point of view of the safety of both of them and others.

"If the animal was fine, but over time there were signs of a lack of care — the pet became untidy, underfed, and does not appear at the veterinarian on time, then its condition can indirectly assess and suspect the cognitive problems of the owner," said the geriatrician.

According to Proschaeva, for the prevention of cognitive impairment, not only the frequency, but also the variety of social activities is important. The approach is individual, but there are two key principles. First, activity should be enjoyable. For example, if a person has never liked museums, but he loves movies, you should not insist on visiting the museum — it can cause negative emotions. Secondly, social activity should be beneficial both for the person himself and for others. It is important to share your impressions and emotions, for example, from a movie, and the results of your activities.

In cases of shallow dementia, socialization can temporarily improve cognitive functions and sometimes lead to "rementia" — a partial reversal of symptoms.

It is also necessary to distinguish between just isolation and painful loneliness. Some people are introverts by nature, accustomed to independence and a limited social circle. They can feel quite comfortable even in old age. Loneliness becomes a problem when, for some reason, a person reduces the level of communication compared to their normal life and loses social connections, the therapist explained.

Earlier, on April 24, Galina Smirnova, an endocrinologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, told Izvestia that those who experience drowsiness and decreased mood will benefit from gentle physical activity, light nutrition with sufficient vitamins, and adherence to sleep patterns. The expert clarified that urban residents are particularly susceptible to spring asthenia.