The Impact of Social Connections on Brain Health

According to an article published by the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience journal from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, it reports socials connections may be key to preserving memory.  The study, led by Elizabeth Kirby, an assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience at the university, explains their findings influence "a body of research in humans and animals that supports the role of social connections in preserving the mind and improving quality of life.”   

The university’s research involved studying a group of mice 15 months to 18 months old, which is the period in a mouse’s life when it starts to have significant memory decay.  For three months, some mice lived in pairs while others were housed in groups of seven.  The researchers put the mice through a series of trials each day that tested their recognition and memory skills.  Consistently the mice housed in larger groups improved their performance on the tests, which researchers believe may suggest they “used their hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with memory.”  

The study is important for humans as our hippocampus declines with age as it does in mice and other animals, and helps to identify the impact of social connections on brain health.  Kirby says seniors should “think about your living situation as you age. If you have the privilege of choosing where you live, make the choice that lets you be socially engaged as long as possible."

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we recognize the importance of strong social connections and offer an array of wellness programs and activities that encourage social as well as physical, intellectual and spiritual connections.  Please see our website for more information about our loving assisted living and memory care community.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful assisted living and memory care community.      

Source:usnews.com/news/health-care-news/articles/2018-05-31/study-a-social-circle-is-key-to-protecting-the-aging-mind