October 30, 2024
6. Alzheimer’s and Social Connectivity
The remaining lifestyle changes after diet were exercise, emotions, stress, and social connectivity. Let’s tackle social connectivity next.
Oxytocin is one of the key neurotransmitters controlling social behaviors, attachments, and interactions with the stress responses of the HPA axis (which includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands). One very simple example of the power of social bonds is revealed in this clinical trial. One group of HIV-positive, AIDS-symptomatic gay men was allowed to openly discuss both their sexual orientation and their HIV-positive status with others. In contrast, the second group was not permitted to disclose this information. The first group of patients showed a much slower progression of the disease compared to the second group. This study highlighted the healing power of social bonds.
Additionally, in another study, oxytocin levels were measured during group singing versus speaking or singing alone. Group singing enhanced oxytocin levels, signifying stronger social bonding. Another study in a small fishing village in Congo examined the combination of oxytocin and testosterone within a family setting. Fathers who were considered better providers for their families had higher testosterone and lower oxytocin levels compared to those who were poor providers. This pattern was also seen in families with ongoing conflicts. On the other hand, mothers displayed opposite levels when fathers were less involved in caregiving. This suggests that a lot of social connectivity begins at home within the family unit.
A well-known example of this concept is supported by research on telomeres in baboons in Kenya. Aggressive alpha baboons were compared to more social, cooperative, and non-aggressive baboons. The alpha baboons had shorter lifespans, and DNA analysis revealed that they had shorter telomeres-protective caps on the ends of DNA strands – which were linked to their shorter lifespans. This finding correlates with Dr. Hans Selye’s stress research on the paradox of species, balancing self-preservation with social good. Future posts will explore the role of stress in more detail. However, it is important to find a balance between self-preservation and contributing to social good, as an imbalance can lead to the kind of social connectivity stress we are emphasizing here.
It’s important to note that social reward is not solely dependent on one neurotransmitter, such as oxytocin or serotonin. Instead, it results from multiple, parallel mechanisms, making it a complex phenomenon. This means there are many ways to derive social rewards, and it’s worth investing time in discovering what works best for you. These could be connections with various interest groups, reflecting the diversity of interests we have.