What you probably already know: Loneliness and social isolation are bad for both your physical and mental well-being. Both have long been linked to pronounced declines among people of all ages but especially in older adults (remember that old commercial that depicted a once-vibrant young woman now sitting alone and staring out a window from a senior living facility?) What hasn’t been well-understood, or well-researched, is how loneliness and social isolation specifically affect women during perimenopause. Now, a groundbreaking study finds that loneliness and isolation have potential to create subjective cognitive decline — worsening memory or ability to think clearly — among perimenopausal women. The study was recently published in Menopause, the Journal of The Menopause Society.
Why it matters: It’s often difficult to tell if a person is depressed, lonely or isolated. A person with a wide social circle can still feel isolated, and those who seem gregarious, outgoing and carefree can feel lonely. It’s worth noting that the study found that loneliness was more associated with mental decline than isolation alone. However, when both occur together, the risk increases dramatically, indicating that cognitive health during aging is more than just biological. It is deeply tied to social connection. Given that perimenopause already involves hormonal shifts that can affect mood and brain function, those added social stressors can make a challenging situation even more worrisome.
What it means: The authors say it’s the first study of its kind, and it underscores “the critical need” for targeted interventions, particularly for women between the ages of 45 and 55. Researchers found that the combination of loneliness and social isolation remained consistent even in those without chronic diseases or gynecological conditions, pointing to a need for group activities, educational support groups and recreational programs that increase social connection and create mental engagement. The findings suggest that emotional experiences, especially loneliness, may be just as important as physical health when it comes to brain function during perimenopause.
What happens next: “The findings of this study highlight the importance of psychosocial factors in cognitive health during the menopause transition,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. “(It) may inform the development of multidimensional psychosocial interventions targeting persons at risk.” The authors say future research should delve into biological mechanisms to better understand the interaction between loneliness and social isolation. They add that treating menopause-related cognitive symptoms may require a more holistic approach that includes social health as a core component rather than just a side conversation.
