Loneliness Modulates Inflammation to Affect the Neurocognitive Function of Older Adults

Neurocognitive aging is a pressing issue in light of global demographic trends. LonelinessLoneliness and inflammation are recognized as significant risk factors for neurocognitive decline in late life, although they have been studied separately thus far. This chapter aims to integrate current theoretical and empirical evidence on the influence of loneliness and inflammation on neurocognitive functions from a psychoneuroimmunological perspective. By examining the independent and integrative neurobiological and neuropsychological effects of lonelinessLoneliness and inflammation, we propose a theoretical-hypothetical model that illustrates how persistent loneliness impacts neurocognitive functions by interacting with inflammation. LonelinessLoneliness provokes neuroendocrinological changes and inflammatory responses, collectively adversely affecting brain health. The structural and functional alterations in key brain regions and networks underlying cognitive-affective processes contribute to the progression of neurocognitive deficits and reinforce the persistence of loneliness. The comprehensive literature review and proposed model in this chapter aim to inspire future in-depth investigations into the psychoneuroimmunological model of neurocognitive agingAging, guide the design of novel and holistic preventive and interventional strategies to protect against age-related neurocognitive decline, ultimately promoting healthy aging and individual well-being with an integrative perspective.