Loneliness and dementia risk: How to help older adults connect and socialize
May 21, 2026
By Kexin Yu, Ph.D.
Everyone feels lonely from time to time. Most of us can quell those feelings by talking on the phone with loved ones or meeting friends in a public space.
But for many aging people, socializing isn’t so simple. Mobility barriers, technology challenges, cognitive decline, and a shifting sense of belonging in society can make it difficult to form and maintain social connections. Over time, this can lead to a deep cavern of loneliness without an easy exit path.
Human interaction is a biological need that does not diminish with age. Loneliness and social isolation are known risk factors for dementia. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office declared social isolation to be a public health concern.
One of the areas we are exploring in dementia research involves the connections between loneliness in older adults and overall cognitive health. Data suggest that if we can disrupt isolation risk factors for older adults, it may be possible to change their trajectory of cognitive decline.
Though we are in the early stages of this research, there is reason for hope. Here are several realistic steps we can take in our communities that have been shown to help improve social connection, reduce loneliness, and enhance the cognitive and emotional health of our aging loved ones.
How does loneliness affect cognitive health?
While some epidemiology research shows correlations between loneliness and negative cognitive health, we are still learning about the physical changes (pathophysiological pathways) and thought processes (psychobehavioral pathways) that occur with chronic loneliness.
Brain changes
Research has shown that long-term loneliness is associated with brain atrophy. Social interaction is a fundamental stimulus of the brain. We are wired to have social interactions, and without them, the brain may be under-stimulated. This can be linked to shrinking of brain tissue, which can lead to increased risk of falls.
Our research has shown that socially isolated older adults experience more negative emotions. This seems to be tied to changes in how their brains process and manage those feelings – in particular, the brain’s “management system” (prefrontal cortex) appears to have less ability to soothe its “alarm system” (amygdala). These changes, which are visible on functional MRI (fMRI), may increase the risk of anxiety or depression.
Reduced cognitive resilience
Cognitive resilience is the brain’s ability to maintain cognitive function despite signs of damage or disease. Research suggests that loneliness may reduce cognitive resilience.
People with chronic loneliness may experience more cognitive decline than peers who are not lonely, even if they have the same amount of amyloid beta and tau. These are proteins that break down connections between neurons, causing widespread brain cell loss and cognitive decline.
Stress-like physical responses
Chronic loneliness appears to affect the body in some of the same ways as chronic stress. People who feel isolated and alone may have more inflammation throughout the body. Further, research shows that systemic inflammation partially explains the association between social isolation and cognitive health in older men.
Avoiding help due to stigma
Loneliness can beget loneliness. People may neglect their own needs; they are lonely and feel so isolated that they refuse offers of social connection. Why? Because there is a stigma associated with feeling lonely.
As we age, we want to maintain our independence as long as possible. Admitting to ourselves, let alone to others, that we need connection can be very difficult, especially if we don’t want to “burden” loved ones with our needs.
“Chronic loneliness can be compared to the body being in a state of famine. When the body craves human connection but cannot get it, signs of this damage can appear throughout the body.”
Kexin Yu, Ph.D.
How to help older adults feel less lonely
Small steps can help your aging loved one feel connected, seen, and heard. At the same time, these steps give caregivers a reason to slow down, focus, and spend time together not as another responsibility, but as a chance to enjoy each other’s company.
Listen with intention
Building connection does not have to take a lot of time or effort. Start small by earmarking a few moments each day or each week to listen intentionally to your loved one. They may tell you a story about their day, reminisce about time gone by, or share something they’re excited about.
Take time to remind them that you care and that they matter to you. That sense of connection can make you both feel good, and it can center you on seeing the person they still are behind the physical changes of aging.
Prioritize social connections
Social connection is linked to our sense of mattering, of why we want to go on living instead of giving up. Encourage loved ones not to cancel their book club, luncheon, or card game. Conversing with and meeting people who have similar interests helps keep the mind sharp and keeps feelings of loneliness at bay.
Community organizations are essential in helping seniors make and maintain social connections. Our research shows that strong social cohesion in one’s neighborhood and living environment may help enhance cognitive function.
With help from my colleagues, I’ve collaborated with several North Texas organizations that provide socialization opportunities for seniors. These include:
- Little Shepherd Foundation serves Chinese immigrants with limited English proficiency.
- Reducing Social Isolation Loneliness Collaborative (R-SILC), led by the Tarrant County Area Agency on Aging, is a collective of organizations invested in building social networks for older adults.
- North Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at UTSW provides community engagement and services, especially through the Outreach, Recruitment, and Education (ORE) core.
The need to prioritize social connection also rings true for family caregivers, who may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or burned out by their responsibilities. In-home respite or companion care services for older adults can give you more leeway for self-care without trading free time for additional worry about meeting your loved one’s needs.
Do more of what they love
A key driver of loneliness with aging is a shift in one’s sense of belonging. Many people identify their sense of self with their career. After retirement, it can be difficult to forge a new identity – and often a new circle of friends – beyond the workplace.
Remind loved ones that they matter as human beings and not just as teachers, parents, lawyers, or coaches. Before they assumed those roles, what did they like to do? Perhaps they enjoyed lifting weights, taking nature walks, or fishing. Maybe they loved to read, paint, or put together puzzles. Retirement is a great time to revisit old hobbies — or discover new ones. There are affinity groups for nearly every interest, both online and in person, to motivate and inspire them as you reconnect them with what brings them joy.
Related reading: Ballroom to boogie: How dancing can improve seniors’ brain health
Use tech to increase social contact, not avoid it
Older generations did not grow up with texting, email, and social media – they relied on face-to-face interactions. But their children and grandchildren live in a digital-first world, and some older adults may feel pressure to learn new technology to stay in touch. This can be frustrating and lead to isolation instead of human connection.
Research has shown that technology can be both positive and negative in relieving loneliness for older adults. It comes down to why the technology is being used.
Our data showed that as internet use increased from 2006 to 2014, the average level of loneliness remained stable. However, when we dug deeper, we found that when people used the internet to increase their social contact – not to replace or avoid interpersonal connection – many reported less loneliness.
For older adults, technology is not inherently bad or good for social well-being. Data from the I-CONECT trial showed that using video calling, for example, can stimulate seniors’ brains and help enhance their cognition.
Learn about the types of digital communication your loved one uses – such as chatting in social media affinity groups or attending online events – and help them make judgment calls about healthy, helpful uses of technology.
We all need the support that helps us go through life. Real connection and support to counter loneliness in seniors requires an ecosystem of organizations and community members. With research as the bridge that links the healthcare system to the community, we can work together to counter loneliness and prevent or manage dementia for older adults and their caregivers.
To talk with an expert about healthy aging, make an appointment by calling 214-645-8800 or request an appointment online.
