Many experts believe that social isolation is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. But a new study, led by UC San Francisco and Boston University, examined the social habits and genetic data of half a million Britons whose average age was 56, and found that the disease may make them more sociable rather than less – at least in the early stages.
What They Discovered
The data from UK Biobank showed that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s reported less isolation, participation in a wider range of social activities and happier family relationships.
No differences were found between higher-risk and lower-risk individuals in measuring loneliness, friendship quality and emotional support.
Why It Matters
The study shows that at its earliest stage Alzheimer’s doesn’t make people less socially engaged. “Their social lives may even expand,” said co-senior author Kotwal. “We don’t know for sure if they are engaging more with others, or if those around them are noticing subtle changes and giving them more support.”
Need to Know
Social connectedness is believed to delay or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by promoting cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to maintain normal function despite aging or dementia. UCSF research has shown that other non-genetic factors influencing Alzheimer’s are physical inactivity, uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure, poor sleep, depression, current smoking and certain medications. Experts believe that 30% of Alzheimer’s may be attributed to these modifiable risks.
About UCSF: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is exclusively focused on the health sciences and is dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. UCSF Health, which serves as UCSF's primary academic medical center, includes top-ranked specialty hospitals and other clinical programs, and has affiliations throughout the Bay Area. UCSF School of Medicine also has a regional campus in Fresno. Learn more at ucsf.edu, or see our Fact Sheet.
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Publication: American Journal of Epidemiology, June 11, 2025 Lead Researchers: Ashwin Kotwal, MD, and Jacqueline Torres, PhD, of UCSF; Scott Zimmerman, MPH, of UCSF and Boston University; and Ruijia Chen, ScD, of Boston University. Funding: National Institutes of Health (P01 AG082653-01A1) |
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Journal
American Journal of Epidemiology