Study finds loneliness increases risk for Parkinson’s disease.

Study finds loneliness increases risk for Parkinson's disease.

Loneliness and Parkinson’s Disease: Is There a Connection?

Loneliness is a universal, often painful experience that can leave people feeling desolate and isolated. But did you know that loneliness may also leave individuals vulnerable to Parkinson’s disease? A recent study conducted by researchers at Florida State University’s College of Medicine has shed light on this intriguing link, suggesting that loneliness may increase the chances of a Parkinson’s diagnosis by 37%.

The study, which followed over 490,000 participants listed in the UK Biobank for up to 15 years, revealed a significant association between loneliness and the development of Parkinson’s disease. Importantly, this connection was not influenced by shared genetic, clinical, or behavioral risk factors. While the research cannot definitively prove that loneliness causes Parkinson’s disease, it highlights a compelling relationship worth exploring further.

Loneliness, considered a significant public health concern by esteemed organizations such as the U.S. Surgeon General, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and the World Health Organization, has already been associated with other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia. This study adds to the body of evidence suggesting that loneliness may also act as a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.

Various factors may explain why loneliness may raise the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Professor Angelina Sutin, the senior researcher of the study, suggests that there could be behavioral, clinical, metabolic, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine pathways involved. Loneliness seems to be associated with overall poor brain health, potentially through greater inflammation and other neurodegenerative processes. It is important to note that this relationship may not be exclusive to Parkinson’s disease, as loneliness could make the brain more susceptible to neurodegeneration leading to other conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Interestingly, the study did not explore the association between being socially connected and the risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is widely believed that social connection serves as a protective factor. Further research is needed to fully understand this dynamic.

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Dr. Alessandro Di Rocco, system director of neurology, Parkinson’s, and movement disorders at Northwell Health in New York City, emphasizes that many older individuals who experience loneliness also live alone. This living arrangement may be associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity. Di Rocco suggests that loneliness may not be beneficial for the brain due to diminished daily brain stimulation. While there may be sources of external stimulation like television, the level of brain engagement may be diminished.

In terms of Parkinson’s disease, loneliness may not directly cause the condition but can predispose individuals to it. Di Rocco explains that loneliness may affect the brain’s ability to defend itself against biological factors, ultimately leading to the development of Parkinson’s.

To counterbalance the potential negative effects of loneliness, both physical and mental activity play crucial roles. Physical activity has been shown to delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, while mental engagement, such as intellectual pursuits, can reduce the likelihood of cognitive problems associated with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other disorders. Di Rocco points out that staying mentally engaged is likely the best “medication” for individuals with cognitive issues.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing loneliness as a public health concern and recognizes its potential impact on the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. By understanding the intricate connections between loneliness, brain health, and neurodegeneration, we can strive to promote social connectedness, mental engagement, and healthy lifestyles to safeguard our well-being and potentially reduce the risk of developing these debilitating conditions.

Source: HealthDay