Regular Social Engagement Keep Brain Regions Healthy in Older Adults

Older people who report higher levels of social engagement have more robust gray matter in regions of the brain relevant in dementia, reports a new study. It is the first to use a particularly sensitive type of brain imaging to handle such an evaluation. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences. The findings suggest that "prescribing" socialization could benefit elderly people in warding off dementia, much the way prescribing physical activity can help to prevent heart disease or diabetes.

"Our data were collected before the coronavirus pandemic, but I believe our findings are especially important right now since one-size-fits-all social isolation of all older adults could place them at risk for conditions such as dementia," stated lead author Cynthia Felix. "Older adults should know it is essential for their brain health that they still seek out a social engagement in safe and balanced ways during the pandemic."

Felix and her colleagues used data about social engagement from 293 community-dwelling participants from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. These participants received a sensitive brain scan called Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI that measured the cellular integrity of brain cells used for social engagement.

These participants gave detailed information about their social engagement and were scored using a tool Felix developed. High scores were awarded to people who did things like play go to movies; travel a long distance; board games; attend classes, lectures, or adult education events; participate in church or other community activities; get together with kids, friends, relatives, or neighbors at least once a week; volunteer or work; be married and live with others.

Felix and colleagues found that greater social engagement is linked to better microstructural integrity of brain gray matter in these older adults. Maintaining brain health is of significant importance. Once brain cells die, dementia typically follows.

Source-Medindia