Lonely Minds
Lonely Minds: How Other People Can Help Prevent Dementia
At The Age of Aging, we often talk about the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet for brain longevity. However, one of the best things you can do to promote brain health as you age may also seem unlikely: hanging out with your friends.
In this episode, we explore the growing body of research linking social isolation and loneliness to cognitive decline and dementia risk. We’ll hear from older adults navigating loneliness, researchers studying its effects on the brain, and members of a unique housing community designed to help older adults stay connected.
Later, Terrence Casey, Jake Johnson, and Executive Producer Dr. Jason Karlawish reflect on what loneliness looks like in clinical practice, why social isolation can complicate dementia diagnosis and care, and what listeners can do to build stronger social connections throughout their lives.
Inside this episode
5:35 – Social Isolation, and Brain Health
Dr. Holly Elser explains why social isolation is considered one of the 14 modifiable dementia risk factors and how social connection may help build cognitive reserve.
7:43 – The Dementia Risk of Isolation
Dr. Barbara Sahakian discusses research from the UK Biobank showing that socially isolated adults had a 26% increased risk of developing dementia.
11:13 – Grief, Purpose, and Feeling Alone
Frank Saar reflects on life after the death of his wife and the challenge of rebuilding a sense of purpose while coping with loneliness.
15:24 – A Community Built for Connection
Residents and staff from Morningside Gardens in New York describe how a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) helps older adults stay socially engaged, active, and supported.
18:13 – The Social Lives of Healthy Agers
Philadelphia artist Gene Renzi shares how decades of participation in community arts programs helped him build friendships and maintain a sense of purpose.
21:40 – “It’s Okay to Ask for Help”
Doris Kitt explains why loneliness is deeply personal and why older adults should seek support when isolation begins to affect their well-being.
24:39 – What Loneliness Looks Like in the Clinic
Jason Karlawish discusses how social isolation often appears early in dementia and why clinicians pay close attention to changes in a person's daily routines and social engagement.
34:13 – Finding Your Community Before You Need It
Jake and Jason discuss why building meaningful social connections earlier in life may be one of the most powerful investments people can make in their long-term brain health.
Resources available on the episode webpage linked below
More on Barbara Sahakian
Read Dr. Sahakian’s book, Brain Boost
Learn more about Morningside Gardens Retirement and Health Services
Learn more about Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
Sign up for a class at Fleisher Art Memorial
Resources for older adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation
Special thanks to Doris Kitt, Holly Elser, PhD, Barbara Sahakian, PhD, Frank Saar, Dana Minaya, Ron Bruno, Gene Renzi, as well as today's co-hosts, Terrence Casey, Jake Johnson, and Jason Karlawish, MD.
The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Producer Jake Johnson and Executive Producer Jason Karlawish. Contributors include Morgann Adams, Terrence Casey, Dalia Elsaid, Emily Largent, and Alison Lynn.
The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub Fund, Lena Chow, and the TIAA Institute.
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