Loneliness, Social Isolation Linked to Subjective Cognitive Decline in Perimenopause

Follow Drugslib on

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 17, 2026.

via HealthDay

TUESDAY, March 17, 2026 -- For perimenopausal women, loneliness and social isolation are independently and jointly associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), according a study published online March 10 in Menopause.

Xiaohe Lin, from Shandong University in Jinan, China, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study involving 903 perimenopausal women. A set of self-reported online questionnaires were used to measure subjective perceived loneliness, objective social isolation, and severity of SCD.

The researchers found that across all participants, the mean SCD score was 3.77. The participants were categorized into a mild SCD group (47.8 percent) and a severe SCD group (52.2 percent). Independent associations were seen for both loneliness and social isolation with SCD in logistic regression analysis. In joint analysis, the highest odds of severe SCD were seen for participants with moderate-to-severe loneliness and social isolation compared to those without loneliness and social isolation. In addition, there were significant and multiplicative interactions seen between moderate-to-severe loneliness and social isolation.

"The findings of this study highlight the importance of psychosocial factors in cognitive health during the menopause transition and may inform the development of multidimensional psychosocial interventions targeting persons at risk for subjective cognitive decline during this time," Stephanie Faubion, M.D., medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a statement.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2026-03-18 02:00

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords