This conclusion was reached by scientists from the University of Michigan after conducting 2 studies.
In the first, they found out whether there is a connection between the functioning of a person's memory and his social interaction. For this purpose, 3,610 people aged 24 to 96 years were selected. After controlling for a variety of demographic indicators, including age, education, ethnicity, gender, marital status, income level, as well as physical health, the researchers examined the relationship between the frequency of social contacts and the level of mental memory function. As a result, they found this connection in all age groups. The more social activity a person has, the higher his ability to cognition.
In the second experiment, scientists determined how social interaction and intellectual exercises affect the work of memory. In this they were assisted by 76 college students aged 18 to 21, who were divided into 3 groups. The participants of the first group "social interaction" took part in the discussion of social issues before the start of testing. Students of the second group "intellectual activity" also completed 3 tasks before the start of the tests. Those who got into the "control group" just watched a 10-minute video. The results showed that short-term social interaction for just 10 minutes improves memory performance as well as intellectual exercises for the same time.
Thus, social isolation can lead to negative consequences for a person's intellectual abilities. Therefore, do not neglect communication and improve your memory!
via Ten Minutes Of Talking Improves Memory And Test Performance [Science Daily]