Loneliness may negatively affect memory performance in older adults, but it does not appear to accelerate the rate of cognitive decline, according to a new study involving over 10,000 participants across Europe.

The research, published in the journal Aging and Mental Health, found that individuals reporting higher levels of loneliness scored lower on memory tests at the beginning of the study period.

However, over the course of seven years, researchers observed that the rate of memory decline among lonely participants was comparable to those who did not report feelings of loneliness.

The study was conducted by researchers from institutions including Universidad del Rosario and Universitat de Valencia. The findings suggest that while loneliness may influence baseline cognitive performance, it does not necessarily hasten deterioration over time.

Experts say the results highlight the importance of addressing loneliness among older adults to improve their immediate cognitive health and overall well-being, even if it may not directly impact long-term memory decline rates.