Research Shows Loneliness Impacts How the Brain Works

(Newswire.net — February 11, 2022) Orlando, FL — Emotions have long been a popular subject of research due to the roles they play on the overall quality of life and even on health. Loneliness is one of the emotions that have become increasingly common since the pandemic broke out.

One study, which was carried out by the University of Chicago, has shown that social isolation actually impacts the manner people behave and how their brains operate. 

This study was presented on February 15 at a symposium, “Social Emotion and the Brain,” at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

It was the first to use fMRI scans in studying the connections between perceived social isolation (or loneliness) and brain activity. 

It is also worth noting that combining fMRI scans with data essential to social behavior is actually part of an emerging field that examines brain mechanisms. It is the University of Chicago that pioneers this particular approach to psychology.

The investigating team has found increased activity in the ventral striatum of non-lonely subjects compared to the lonely ones when they view pictures of people in pleasant settings. It is worth noting that the ventral striatum is a brain region linked with rewards. 

It is also important to note that the temporoparietal junction was much less activated among those who were lonely than the non-lonely ones. The temporoparietal junction is a region associated with taking the perspective of another person.

According to John Cacioppo, given their feelings of social isolation, lonely individuals may be left to find relative comfort in nonsocial rewards.

Cacioppo is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Professor in Psychology at the University. He spoke at the briefing along with Jean Decety, the Irving B. Harris Professor in Psychology and Psychiatry at the University.

There are many ways to cope with loneliness as well as other issues like stress, anxiety, or depression. In today’s troubling times of global health crisis, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many struggles from these problems.

It is strongly recommended to resort to some proven measures in fighting loneliness and depression. These include staying connected with other people and engaging in relaxing activities. Making dietary improvements is also vital as it could be particularly beneficial for brain health.

There are even formulas like VitaBreeze Curcumin that one may incorporate into a healthy diet. It is worth noting curcumin has genoprotective, antifungal, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, antiviral, renoprotective, insulin-sensitizing, androgenic, antifibrotic, neurorestorative, and metal-chelating properties.

It also contains an anticoagulant, antiseptic, anti-platelet, antioxidant, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-cytotoxic, antibiotic, antimicrobial, anti-purulent, antitumor, immunomodulating, and anti-catabolic agents. (amazon.com/Turmeric-Curcumin-Complex-Pepper-Extract/dp/B00JA4TLTI/)