Unsociable people have a higher risk of dementia, scientists say.

They came to this conclusion when they analyzed neuroimaging data from more than 30,000 people from the UK Biobank. Scientists have found that socially isolated people have less gray matter in areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Next, the researchers used modeling techniques to explore the association of relative social isolation and loneliness with cases of dementia. After assessing other risk factors, such as chronic diseases, lifestyle, and the presence of depression, scientists found that people who are unsociable are more likely to develop dementia by 26%.