27 Mar , 10:55
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Chronic loneliness can trigger a chain of dangerous diseases in the body — from heart disease to early dementia, warned psychotherapist Irina Krashkina.
The specialist shared her conclusions in a conversation with the RIAMO outlet.
"Studies confirm: chronic loneliness raises cortisol levels, provokes systemic low-grade inflammation, and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases," the psychotherapist noted.
The scale of the threat is striking: according to Krashkina, the harm from prolonged loneliness is comparable to the consequences of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or to clinical obesity.
The specialist added that against the backdrop of isolation, immunity noticeably decreases, susceptibility to viral infections grows, cognitive functions deteriorate, and the risk of early dementia increases substantially.
"Loneliness activates the same neural pathways in the brain as physical pain, making the suffering absolutely real. Sleep is disrupted, and tissue regeneration slows down," she said.
In conclusion, the doctor emphasized: chronic loneliness deals a comprehensive blow to the body — it undermines the immune system, provokes sleep problems, impairs brain function, and significantly increases the risk of developing early dementia and cardiovascular diseases.
