Can loneliness raise your risk of stroke?

Chronic loneliness may elevate the risk of stroke among older adults, according to a study published in eClinicalMedicine. Harvard University researchers discovered that older Americans who reported feeling chronically lonely over a four-year period were 56% more likely to suffer a stroke in the following 10 to 12 years.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy highlighted the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation in the country. Approximately three in ten older adults occasionally feel lonely, with one in twenty often experiencing severe loneliness, as noted by the National Poll on Healthy Aging. While studies have associated loneliness with worsening mental and cardiovascular health, the specific connection between loneliness and stroke risk has been less explored.

Understanding the Link Between Loneliness and Stroke

The study, led by Yenee Soh, ScD, a research associate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, involved 12,161 participants over the age of 50 from the Health and Retirement Study. This longitudinal research surveyed a nationally representative group of about 20,000 individuals.

Between 2006 and 2010, participants completed the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, assessing feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Loneliness was defined as a subjective experience reflecting the gap between desired and available relationships, while social isolation referred to the lack of social contact with others. Between 2010 and 2012, 8,936 remaining participants reassessed their loneliness levels, with scores above six indicating high loneliness.

Tracking these participants until 2018, researchers found that 1,237 had a stroke. High baseline loneliness was linked to a 25% increased risk of stroke, and each one-unit increase in loneliness score was associated with a 5% higher risk. Notably, those with consistently high loneliness levels had 56% higher odds of developing a stroke compared to those with low levels.

Expert Opinions and Study Limitations

Dr. Dan Blazer, a psychiatrist and emeritus professor at Duke University who was not involved in the study, praised its methodology. He emphasized the significance of examining loneliness at two time points, contributing valuable insights to the scientific literature on loneliness and stroke.

However, the study had limitations, including its focus on middle-aged and older U.S. adults, limiting the generalizability to younger populations or those in other countries. Observational studies like this one are also prone to unmeasured variables that might affect results. Additionally, the arbitrary cutoff for high loneliness levels and the two-point-in-time measurement approach were noted limitations.

Further research is necessary to fully understand how loneliness might increase stroke risk. Loneliness may directly impact behavior, mental health, or physiology, negatively affecting cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems, as noted by Soh.

Addressing Loneliness to Reduce Stroke Risk

Experts suggest various steps to mitigate loneliness. Starting with self-administered questionnaires can help individuals recognize their feelings of loneliness. Addressing loneliness is a personal journey, and seeking help tailored to specific needs is crucial.

Local communities play a vital role in combating loneliness. Initiatives to integrate individuals into community activities and mental health programs can make a significant difference. Additionally, infrastructural changes, such as creating more social spaces like cafes, libraries, and community centers, can foster social connections.

For those struggling with loneliness, numerous local and national organizations, such as AARP Community Connections, Commit to Connect, and SAGEConnect, offer support. Volunteering can also help reduce loneliness, providing physical and mental health benefits.

The Takeaway

The link between chronic loneliness and increased stroke risk highlights the importance of addressing social isolation, especially among older adults. While the study provides crucial insights, more research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind this connection and develop effective interventions. By fostering social connections and community support, we can mitigate the adverse effects of loneliness and improve overall health outcomes

A Quick Review

A recent study from Harvard University found that chronic loneliness increases the risk of stroke in older adults by 56%. Researchers tracked participants over several years and discovered that those who consistently felt lonely had significantly higher odds of experiencing a stroke. The findings highlight the critical need for addressing loneliness as a public health issue.

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