Loneliness has been found to significantly increase the risk of stroke over a long period of time, according to a new study conducted on 8,936 participants aged 50 and older. The study, published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine, found that individuals reporting feeling lonely at two interviews four years apart were at a 56% higher risk of stroke. Participants were categorized into consistently high, consistently low, remitting, and recent onset based on their loneliness scores.
The study suggests that loneliness may impact stroke risk through physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial pathways. Possible physiological mechanisms include inflammation, reduced immunity, and elevated blood pressure due to mental health stressors. Behavioral factors such as decreased physical activity, overeating, and poor sleep hygiene may also contribute, as well as psychosocial influences like longer-term interpersonal difficulties stemming from unsatisfying social relationships.
Loneliness is described as a painful feeling of being alone, and it is not necessarily equivalent to social isolation. The study highlights the importance of differentiating between these two concepts, as individuals who feel lonely may be surrounded by people, while isolated individuals may not experience feelings of loneliness. Young adults aged 18 to 22 are particularly at risk for loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, and depression, but the issue is becoming increasingly prevalent across all age groups as the population ages.
In response to the study findings, healthcare professionals may begin to consider evaluating patients for depression, loneliness, and isolation as part of routine care. The USPTF recommends screening for these factors, and it is possible that doctors may someday prescribe social interaction and refer patients to community resources if loneliness is identified as a risk factor for stroke. While it remains uncertain whether behavioral or therapeutic interventions can effectively reduce loneliness, addressing structural and societal factors that contribute to loneliness may have a collective impact on reducing the risk of stroke in lonely individuals.
Overall, tackling loneliness should involve a combination of individual, healthcare, and societal efforts. Working with a healthcare professional can provide tools to address loneliness on a personal level, while also considering broader societal factors and utilizing available community resources. By understanding the complex connections between loneliness and stroke risk, we can take steps to prevent stroke in individuals experiencing chronic loneliness and promote overall well-being in the population.
