Social Isolation and Loneliness Trigger Chronic Inflammation Across the Lifespan
Does loneliness cause inflammation?
Yes, loneliness and social isolation cause measurable inflammation throughout life, from childhood to mid-adulthood. Multi-cohort study shows elevated inflammatory markers in lonely individuals. Key findings:
- Childhood isolation - increases suPAR inflammatory marker levels
- Adult loneliness - elevates systemic inflammation markers
- Lifelong impact - effects persist across the entire lifespan
- Chronic inflammation - contributes to disease risk and mental health problems
A comprehensive multi-cohort investigation published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity demonstrates that social isolation and loneliness are longitudinally associated with elevated inflammatory markers. This research provides biological evidence for why loneliness is considered as dangerous to health as smoking or obesity.