Older adults reporting social isolation or loneliness show poorer cognitive function 4 years later

Abstract

Commentary on: Shankar A, Hamer M, McMunn A, et al. Social isolation and loneliness: relationships with cognitive function during 4 years of follow-up in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Psychosom Med 2013;75:161-70. Implications for practice and research▪ Population ageing is expected to produce a dramatic increase in the number of individuals with dementia.▪ Patients' social isolation and loneliness are potentially modifiable risk factors for poor cognitive functioning.▪ Attention to a patient's soc…