Community
The human brain relies on social connection to function at its best. When we engage in social connections, whether it's through spending time with friends and family or participating in group activities, our brains release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, which help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote positive mental states. In addition, social connection has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory and problem-solving skills. By engaging in conversations and interactions with others, we stay active and engaged. On the other hand, social isolation and loneliness can have negative impacts on brain health. Research has linked loneliness to increased risk of cognitive decline, depression, and Alzheimer's Disease symptoms.
Here’s an interesting story: A grandmother of one of us lived to the ripe old age of 96 with no sign of cognitive decline. Apart from family, the major driving factor in her late life was the game of bingo, which provided daily opportunity for light exercise, socialization, and cognitively-challenging activity - three “pillars” of brain health. We suspect that her longevity and cognitive agility was linked to these factors in combination, neuroFit’s “bingo hypothesis”. Public health colleagues (especially in Eastern Canada), are you game to test this? We’ll provide you with devices and support your project at zero cost.
USEFUL LINKS
NIH/ NIA Tips For Staying Connected As We Age
REFERENCES
Eisenberger NI, Cole SW. (2012). Social neuroscience and health: neurophysiological mechanisms linking social ties with physical health. Nature Neuroscience 15;15(5):669-74. doi: 10.1038/nn.3086. PMID: 22504347.
Shen C, Rolls E, Cheng W, Kang J, Dong G, Xie C, Zhao XM, Sahakian B, Feng J. (2022). Associations of Social Isolation and Loneliness With Later Dementia. Neurology.
Gardener H, Levin B, DeRosa J, Rundek T, Wright CB, Elkind MSV, Sacco RL. (2021). Social Connectivity is Related to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 84(4):1811-1820.
Matthews GA, Tye KM. (2019). Neural mechanisms of social homeostasis. Annals of New York Academy of Science 1457(1):5-25.