Social Connections Prevent Memory Loss

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by F. Berkman, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health

A recent study of more than 16,000 people age 50 and older asked participants to

take verbal memory tests over six years.

Findings: Those who had the fewest social connections with friends, family and

in the community suffered decline in memory capacity at twice the rate as those

with the most.

Conclusion: This is another example of how being socially engaged is beneficial

for mental health.

Bottom Line/Retirement interviewed F. Berkman, PhD, lead study author,

department of sociology, human development and health, Harvard School of Public

Health, Boston.