Chronic loneliness may alter brain structure in 5 regions

Chronic loneliness may alter brain activity, stress responses, and emotional processes, according to Dr Vinit Banga, director and HOD of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, Faridabad.

Loneliness activates the body's stress response, leading to excessive cortisol production, which may negatively impact memory, cognitive performance, decision-making, and concentration.

Chronic loneliness can make people perceive social environments as more threatening, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, irritation, and social isolation.

The article highlights five brain regions structurally altered by loneliness, though specific names are not provided in the text.

Experts advise that simply telling lonely people to socialize is insufficient to address the underlying neural changes.