Loneliness identified as a risk factor for dementia and heart disease

Loneliness is a risk factor for many diseases, including dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Communication and participation in family and community life promote healthy longevity.

MOSCOW, September 30 - RIA Novosti. Loneliness is a risk factor for many diseases, including dementia and cardiovascular diseases, Olga Tkacheva, director of the Russian Gerontological Research and Clinical Center at Pirogov University, and president of the Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians, told RIA Novosti.

"Loneliness is a risk factor for many diseases. Long-term social isolation is associated with an increased risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and even premature death," Tkacheva said.

She noted that communication and participation in the life of family and society can be considered the same resource for healthy longevity as movement and good nutrition.