• Thu. Oct 3rd, 2024

Spanish specialists analyze the impact of loneliness on the brain, physical and mental health

Spanish specialists analyze the impact of loneliness on the brain, physical and mental health

In 2018, the then British Prime Minister, Theresa May, established a State Secretary for Loneliness. In 2021, Japan created the Ministry of Loneliness and Social Isolation. Both initiatives reflect the extent of a global issue with direct consequences on health, especially among the elderly. Far from being a simple emotion, studies show that loneliness is a phenomenon with tangible and measurable effects on brain health, negatively impacting neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize.

The renowned American psychologist and neuroscientist John Cacioppo, a pioneer in the study of loneliness, suggests that it is not simply an abnormal or temporary sensation, but rather an adaptive mechanism. He describes it as a ‘social pain’ that operates similarly to physical pain: they are physiological signals designed to prompt us to take protective measures. In the book Loneliness: human nature and the need for social connection, Cacioppo argues that chronic loneliness has similar consequences to smoking or obesity, affecting key biological processes and even gene expression.

Loneliness is behind personality changes, sleep problems, and a decrease in the quality of life”


Javier YanguasPhD in Biological and Health Psychology, and director of the loneliness chair at La Caixa Foundation

As people age, their social support networks diminish, and loneliness becomes a silent trigger for mental and behavioral disorders. “It is linked to changes in personality, sleep problems, and a decline in quality of life,” comments Javier Yanguas, Ph.D. in Biological and Health Psychology, and director of the Loneliness Chair at the la Caixa Foundation.

Jaime Gutiérrez, a specialist in aging psychology at the General Council of Psychology in Spain, adds that its effects range from the lack of motivation in older people to carry out daily activities to self-care. He also highlights the role of environmental factors: in Spain’s depopulated areas, where resources are lacking, loneliness is not so much dependent on mood as it is on the lack of services. In these cases, he concludes, the environment can determine the behavior and well-being of individuals.

Chronic loneliness represents a constant threat to brain health. It is a powerful stressor with short and long-term repercussions”


Manuel CassinelloPsychiatrist

“Chronic loneliness represents a continuous threat to brain health,” according to psychiatrist Manuel Cassinello. “It is a powerful stress factor with short and long-term repercussions. This stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, can damage the brain, as it affects the hippocampus, crucial for memory and learning. Additionally, it can accelerate brain aging, increasing the risk of dementias such as Alzheimer’s or depression, which in turn is linked to a higher risk of dementia.”

Loneliness deprives the brain of the essential nutrients provided by social interaction. “It’s like when you stop watering a plant; it starts to wither,” illustrates Gladys Kali, an expert in applied neuroscience with a focus on comprehensive well-being to guide personal and professional transformations. “When we are with people who make us feel good, the brain releases neurochemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which generate well-being. Without that regular ‘chemical dose,’ the brain begins to interpret loneliness as a threat, activating stress responses that alter our perception of the environment.” Kali compares this dynamic to a ‘depressed DJ’ in our brain playing a loop of negative thoughts until they become the soundtrack of our lives, affecting behavior and increasing the risk of various diseases.

It’s like when you stop watering a plant; it starts to wilt”


Gladys Kali Expert in neuroscience

La soledad deteriora el cerebro y afecta tanto a la salud física como mental

Loneliness, by reducing the stimulation from the environment, can alter the physiological mechanisms that regulate behavior and the processes that are involved in social skills

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Doctor Ventura Anciones, chief of the Neurology Department at the Sanitas La Zarzuela and Virgen del Mar University Hospitals, explains that the brain is an organ constantly expanding that needs stimuli to maintain and prevent cognitive deterioration. Loneliness, by reducing environmental stimulation, can alter the physiological mechanisms that regulate behavior and processes involved in social skills, among others. Furthermore, Jaime Gutiérrez points out that when the brain does not receive enough stimulation, it loses neurons more quickly, affecting attention and memory.

On the other hand, when a person feels lonely, it is common for them to interpret social interactions negatively, a phenomenon that Yanguas calls “emotional hypervigilance”. This can lead to misunderstandings. “A person who feels lonely tends to feel rejected, leading to interpreting everyday situations in a negative way.” For example, someone with that feeling of loneliness, if they cross paths with an acquaintance on the street and they don’t greet them, they might think it is intentional, when in reality, the acquaintance may not have noticed them. “This negative self-perception causes suffering but also changes us cognitively; that is, it alters our way of thinking, understanding, or interpreting what happens to us,” explains Yanguas.

This rigidity in the interpretation of social relationships, in addition to the consequences for self-esteem, can lead to behaviors of avoiding discomfort, such as substance abuse or irritability, warns Cassinello. It is also important to differentiate between loneliness and psychosocial isolation. The former, he says, is an emotional state that mainly affects emotional well-being, while isolation has more physical consequences, as it reduces contact with health services and can lead to the worsening of untreated illnesses.

Loneliness is a risk factor for physical health

The shadow of loneliness is long. It not only affects the mind but also has an impact on physical health: from heart problems to a simple cold, comments Sara Rivera Navarro, a psychologist at Sanitas Mayores Las Rozas. “This is due to both the increase in unhealthy habits and the biological changes caused by loneliness itself or by social isolation.”

For example, as stated by Dr. Manuel Cassinello, “prolonged stress associated with loneliness causes low-grade chronic inflammation, which affects various body systems, leading to immune problems, dermatological conditions, cognitive decline, and even fractures from falls.” Regarding the latter, Jaime Gutiérrez mentions that a person living in solitude tends to be more sedentary, resulting in muscular weakness and bone complications.

(The impact of loneliness on physical health) is due to both the increase in unhealthy habits and the biological changes it causes”


Sara Rivera NavarroPsychologist

Javier Yanguas also highlights a deterioration in vascular function, with an increase in blood pressure and a higher likelihood of stroke. He points out an increase in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis – the stress axis – which is also associated with obesity and malnutrition, as well as motor decline, reduced physical activity, and functional capacity.

Can chronic loneliness be prevented or combated? Yes, and it’s not just about offering company

The idea that loneliness can be cured by gathering people is not enough. Combating it requires a comprehensive emotional and social approach. “We can do many things to face it, but it is important not to confuse it with a disease. Feeling lonely or sad is not the same as suffering from depression, which is already a diagnosis,” says Javier Yanguas. For him, loneliness is a natural feeling that we should not pathologize. And yes, it can be relieved by learning how to manage it emotionally, just like with sadness. This requires rebuilding support networks and strengthening ties with friends and family, even if it may be uncomfortable at times. “We have spent decades in individualism, and we need to recover those relationships that sustain the community,” says Yanguas.

From the field of neuroscience, Kali expresses the need to activate neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural connections, through manual activities such as furniture restoration or macramé. These types of activities promote creativity and emotional well-being, and when done in a group setting, they help individuals to meet and interact with others who share similar interests. Ultimately, she says, it is about hacking the brain to optimize its functioning in adverse circumstances. “Neurohacking and biohacking allow for the updating of the brain’s software to better adapt to life’s challenges.”

We have been living in decades of individualism, and we need to recover those relationships that support the community”


Javier YanguasPhD in biological and health psychology, and director of the loneliness chair at the la Caixa Foundation

Among the most effective therapeutic strategies for elderly people living in isolation, the psychologist from Sanitas Mayores highlights animal-assisted therapy for its emotional benefits: “it boosts self-esteem, improves mood, and motivation.” She also recommends intergenerational therapies and training them in the use of technology. “This prevents them from feeling isolated and opens up a world of possibilities for learning, staying informed, and participating in an increasingly digital society. This approach reinforces their autonomy, making them feel more integrated and up-to-date.”

Jaime Gutierrez, on the other hand, insists on the need to prepare people for an active retirement. “Moving from a structured work life to inactivity can be harmful,” he warns. He confirms the idea that physical company is not enough. “It is essential that this company knows how to deal with the feeling of loneliness.” The focus should be on the quality of relationships, not on the quantity of attention. He criticizes the lack of specialized psychologists in Spain and emphasizes the effectiveness of group therapies: not only are they more cost-effective, but they also allow people to share their experiences, reducing the sense of isolation.

In any case, there are no universal solutions to combat loneliness. “We have to adapt to how our elders perceive life and the environment in order to give them what they need. Loneliness, as a concept, is easy to understand but difficult to address in practice, since each case is unique,” expresses Gutiérrez. It is essential to address the issue in a personalized and profound manner, and for this, it is crucial to promote assertiveness, helping people to express their needs clearly and effectively.

How to turn loneliness into a positive or enriching experience?

Loneliness is a perception, and as such, it can be modified by engaging in proactive activities that promote positive thinking, says Sara Rivera. Adopting routines, increasing activities outside the home, or getting involved in charitable projects are strategies that can help turn that negative feeling into a positive experience.

In this context, Javier Yanguas points out the advancement of scientific research that no longer focuses solely on therapies, but also addresses personal development. “We must empower ourselves to learn to live with loneliness,” he comments. Along these lines, La Caixa Foundation will present a book in November, Always Accompanied, which aims to provide guidelines for people to learn how to manage their loneliness, build community, and prevent isolation.

“Debemos empoderarnos para aprender a vivir con la soledad”, dice el psicólogo Javier Yanguas, experto en este problema social.

“We must empower ourselves to learn how to live with loneliness,” says psychologist Javier Yanguas, an expert in this social issue

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Demographers say that life expectancy is still increasing: every decade we live six months longer. But there is also a transformation in the life cycle. In the initial stage of old age, between 65 and 70 years old, many people are still active and engaged in projects; but then they face a phase of greater vulnerability. Given that old age can last 20-25 years, it is crucial to have tools to fully experience this period. This stage needs to be redefined. “Old age should be seen as a stage of growth and not just as time lived,” emphasizes Yanguas. Therefore, it is important to manage and value relationships, fostering a sense of purpose and personal development.

Indeed, both Yanguas and Cassinello agree that a sense of purpose is fundamental for a fulfilling and meaningful life, contributing to greater longevity, improved quality of life, and positive emotions. The inclusion of older adults in community projects can be an effective way to promote this sense of purpose.

Solitude is not always bad; it’s the feeling of being alone that can be harmful”


Gladys KaliExpert in neuroscience

But transforming loneliness into something positive is not easy, acknowledges the psychiatrist. It requires the person to become aware of their situation and be proactive, which can be difficult, especially for those with health limitations. “That’s why community support is important. Loneliness can become a catalyst for change that motivates the person to develop new interests, hobbies, and skills, which in turn can help them build new relationships.” Similarly, Kali sees loneliness as an opportunity for personal rediscovery. And she concludes: “Loneliness is not always bad; it is the feeling of being alone that can be harmful. The key is to learn to enjoy both the company of others and one’s own company.”


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