Loneliness impacts health: New study reveals hidden risks
Loneliness is often described as a civilizational disease. It affects people regardless of age, economic status, or social standing. Recent studies show that interactions with loved ones can reduce the risk of health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, infections, and even cancer. “More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely,” notes one of the researchers.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University recently conducted studies that indicate loneliness and social isolation can lead to severe health problems. An analysis of medical data from over 42,000 people aged 40-69 who participated in the UK Biobank project revealed that social interactions are crucial for maintaining good health.
Scientific evidence increasingly shows that both social isolation and loneliness are associated with poorer health and earlier death. However, the mechanisms behind this remain unclear.
The authors of the new work, presented in the journal "Nature Human Behaviour," focused on the proteome, or the set of proteins present in the blood samples of participants. After analyzing the proteins and considering factors such as age, gender, and socio-economic background, they discovered 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness, with the concentrations of many of these molecules changing under both conditions.
Many of these proteins are produced in response to inflammation and infections. Some can be linked to cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and earlier death.
Loneliness the worst "disease"?
The scientists also used an advanced statistical technique known as Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and protein concentration. Through this approach, they identified five proteins whose levels were related to loneliness.
One of the proteins that respond intensely to loneliness is ADM. It regulates stress hormones and oxytocin, affecting mood and social relationships. Higher levels of ADM are associated with a smaller volume of brain areas responsible for interoception and a higher risk of premature death.
In contrast, the ASGR1 protein is associated with higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, while other identified proteins play roles in the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and the progression of cancer.
The epidemic of loneliness
Prof. Barbara Sahakian from the University of Cambridge emphasizes that social isolation and loneliness are recognized by the World Health Organization as a global public health issue.
These findings drive home the importance of social contact in keeping us well. More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely. That’s why the World Health Organization has described social isolation and loneliness as a ‘global public health concern’. We need to find ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to help them stay healthy, emphasizes Prof. Barbara Sahakian.
Research indicates that loneliness and lack of emotional support can lead to emotional and health problems later in life. It is crucial for society to create programs that prevent social isolation and support young people in building healthy relationships.
Modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced proteomics can help identify key proteins, which can revolutionize the approach to preventing and treating many diseases.
Research from Arizona State University found that childhood loneliness is associated with a higher risk of alcohol problems in adulthood. The pandemic has further intensified isolation, increasing the number of children experiencing loneliness.
