Scientists Show What Loneliness Looks Like In The Brain

According to a recent study, an estimated 10 to 20 percent of adults suffer from loneliness or feelings of isolation. The study focused on the brain’s reaction to loneliness, identifying distinct brain variations and offering clues to how loneliness affects us. (1)

Loneliness And The Brain

Headed by a team at McGill University, the study identified neurobiological signatures distinct to lonely people. “We are just beginning to understand the impact of loneliness on the brain,” says Danilo Bzdok, Ph.D., a researcher at the Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) and the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. “Expanding our knowledge in this area will help us to appreciate better the urgency of reducing loneliness in today’s society.” (1,2)

Loneliness And The Brain’s Health

In hand with research co-lead by Nathan Spreng, Ph.D., and their team, their published research paper indicates, “Despite severe consequences on behavior and health, the neural basis of loneliness remains elusive.” (1,2)

The study views the health burden of loneliness as “pervasive.” It is related to health issues, including morbidity, hypertension, and immune system dysfunction. It also increases the risk of suicide and major psychiatric disorders from a mental health standpoint. (1,2)

The risk of cognitive decline and dementia can also increase due to loneliness. “A sense of loneliness has also been associated with health risks equivalent to or exceed that of obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes daily,” the research explains. (1,2)

Trait Loneliness And The Brain

The study focused on “time-enduring” or “trait” loneliness. “This is distinct from the amount of time spent alone or the frequency of social contact,” says the paper. “While there is growing evidence that social connectedness may be associated with brain structure and function in the current report, we directly investigate the neural correlates linked to trait loneliness, the negative subjective experience of social isolation.” (1,2)

A systematic assessment studies the manifestation of trait loneliness in the human brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, genetics, and psychological self-assessments. The MRI data of about 40,000 middle-aged and older adult participants were compared between those feeling lonely and those who weren’t. (1,2)

Loneliness And The Brain’s Default Network

The differences in brain manifestations centered around the “default network.” According to the paper, it is “an assembly of higher association areas, which is known to overlap with the human social brain,” according to the report. Lonely participants had default networks more strongly wired together, with more significant volumes of grey matter. (1,2)

Differences were also noted in the fornix, which carries signals from the hippocampus to the default network. Lonely participants had a better-preserved structure of the fiber tract of the fornix. Lonely individuals display stronger functional communication in the default network and greater microstructural integrity of its fornix pathway,” note the researchers. (1,2)

Imagination And Envisioned Future

“The default network is well-known to be implicated in mental representations of oneself across time and space, including the reconstruction of one’s past, prospecting and planning about an envisioned future, imagination, and creative thought, as well as stimulating thoughts, places, and events,” according to researchers. “The findings fit with the possibility that the up-regulation of these neural circuits supports mentalizing, reminiscence, and imagination to fill the social void.” (1,2)

The team speculates that their findings could mean increased demands on mental simulation of inner social events occur when lonely people don’t enjoy the social experiences they desire in their lives. (1)

My Personal RX:

As a doctor, I know how significant brain health and mental wellness are, especially when dealing with emotions such as grief and loneliness. Here are some recommendations I suggest to promote brain health and cope with grief:

1. Practice Mindfulness Meditation: Engage in regular mindfulness meditation, such as the free “Calm the Chaos” series I offer. This series is designed to help reduce anxiety, foster inner peace, and bring you back to the present moment.
2. Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain health. I recommend my Omega-3 supplement to support cognitive function and overall brain health.
3. Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and improve brain health by boosting your mood and reducing stress.
4. Social Connection: Maintain strong social ties with family and friends. Social connection can reduce feelings of loneliness and promote mental health.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re dealing with grief, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapists or counselors can provide strategies to cope with these feelings and help you navigate through difficult times.
6. Healthy Sleep Routine: A good night’s sleep is essential for brain health and emotional well-being. Try to maintain regular sleep patterns and create a sleep-friendly environment.
7. Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports brain health and helps regulate emotions.

Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and mind, and take the necessary steps to maintain your health. Each of these recommendations can aid in dealing with loneliness, promoting brain health, and managing grief effectively.

Source:

1. https://www.genengnews.com/news/scientists-show-what-loneliness-looks-like-in-the-brain/#:~:text=Bzdok%2C%20together%20with%20research%20co,associated%20with%20perceived%20social%20isolation.%E2%80%9D
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20039-w