A 6-year longitudinal neuroimaging study from Germany discovered that social isolation leads to brain tissue loss and cognitive decline, particularly affecting the hippocampus and cortical thickness, suggesting improved social connections might reduce dementia risk. The study, emphasizing the importance of social connectedness, revealed that individuals with fewer social ties had a rate of brain aging equivalent to a one-year difference when compared to those with more substantial social networks. ...
I think a lot will depend on the person and how they deal with issues like isolation. I’ve been disabled and mostly isolated for nearly 10 years. It is hard to reorient interests but it is possible to find stimulating ways to engage with interests even in isolation. I would like to see how I would perform on such a test. I’m more mentally engaged than I was before disability.