There’s New Evidence for How Loneliness Affects Memory in Old Age

A six-year European study of 10,217 adults aged 65 to 94 found that loneliness was linked to poorer immediate and delayed memory recall.

Lonely participants started with lower memory scores, but their memory declined at about the same rate as less lonely peers.

Age was the main driver of memory decline, while physical activity was associated with better baseline memory.

The findings suggest loneliness may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive health in older adults, alongside exercise and social support.