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AAIC 2022 | The use of technology to reduce loneliness and social isolation in older adults

Kexin Yu, PhD Candidate, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, discusses the impact of technological intervention on the risk of dementia in older adults. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in isolation and loneliness research. Isolation and loneliness are recognized as a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline, with research suggesting that 4% of dementia cases could be prevented if social isolation could be eliminated. As technology is continuously developing and becoming more innovative, there is a gap between different populations, with a digital divide between younger and older generations and between people with higher and lower socioeconomic status. Technology can bring great opportunities for dementia research and intervention, however, the success of technological interventions is dependent on how this tool is leveraged in the future. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2022 in San Diego, CA.