- Researchers report that loneliness is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.
- They note that people with Parkinson’s may worry that their illness will get in the way of friendships.
- They said that is important because friendships add to feelings of well-being.
Researchers report they have found an association between loneliness and Parkinson’s disease.
Their findings were presented in a
In their study, the researchers examined more than 491,000 participants with a follow-up period of 15 years.
Researchers said they uncovered the association between loneliness and the risk of Parkinson’s disease independent of depression, genetics, and other prominent risk factors.
In the study, participants were asked, “Do you often feel lonely?” and prompted to answer either “yes” or “no.”
Approximately 18% (91,186 people) indicated they did feel lonely. Those who did report loneliness were slightly younger, more likely to be female, had fewer resources, were less likely to have a college degree, had more health risks – such as smoking and being physically inactive – and had worse overall physical and mental health.
During the 15-year follow-up, 2,822 people in the study developed Parkinson’s disease. The researchers said they used these findings to establish the association between loneliness and Parkinson’s.
The researchers noted that their study adds to growing evidence that loneliness substantially impacts health, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
“Feelings of loneliness are common in [Parkinson’s] and may result from physical and psychological limitations from the disease,” said Dr. Andrew Feigin, the executive director of The Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders at NYU Langone Health in New York who was not involved in the study.
“In addition, loneliness can result in depression…
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