Social Connections & Your Brain

Connection protects Cognition.

Humans are wired for connection, and our brains thrive when we’re socially engaged. Staying connected can improve memory, mood, and even reduce the risk of dementia.

Isolation and loneliness, on the other hand, are linked to faster cognitive decline, particularly later in life. The quality and consistency of our relationships matter, whether they are with friends, family, coworkers, or our community.

Brain Benefits of Social Connection

• Strengthens memory & verbal skills

• Stimulates brain regions involved in attention and language

• Reduces stress and supports emotional regulation

• Lowers inflammation and cardiovascular risk

• Delays cognitive decline and dementia onset

What the Science Says

• Older adults with strong social ties have a 70% slower rate of cognitive decline.
• Regular social interaction activates the same brain networks used in memory and decision-making.
• Loneliness increases risk of dementia by up to 45%, according to recent research.

Want to better understand how our social connections affect our brains? Visit our Resources & Studies page and select on Socialization & Brain Health to explore the research.

Take the Next Step

Healthy Brain Plan helps you see how social connection supports brain health, and offers encouraging steps to help you build and deepen the relationships that matter most.