For years science has been building and ever-expanding body of evidence that staying social has benefits to those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairing diseases. Along with exercise (and sometimes incorporated directly with it), social interactions may be one of the best and easiest ways to help individuals facing the challenges with dementia. Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay
Released by The Lancet Neurology in 2006, a study titled “The effect of social networks on the relation between Alzheimer’s disease pathology and level of cognitive function” showed a relation between social network size and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Public Health titled ”Social network, cognitive function, and dementia incidence among elderly women” showed evidence that larger social networks have a protective influence on cognitive function in elderly women.
So what does this mean in a practical sense?
Individuals in the early stages of dementia should be encouraged to engage with others in a social setting as much as possible. As a part of the Nexus at Silverado® program, this is put into practice through resident engagements like social clubs (cooking, crafts, etc.) and volunteer events to help people (and animals!) in need.
Often times these engaging activities are combined with physical activities such as walking groups or Tai Chi, layering on the benefits of exercise and stress reduction (also science-based Nexus activities). The underlying benefit to all of these activities is staving off the isolation and depression that often come with dementia, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
Community centers, churches and civic organizations are all great places to find activities for your loved one and yourself, offering meet-ups, day trips, crafts and other great ways to stay social. There aren’t many better ways to have fun and do something beneficial!
For information on brain-health studies, click here.
Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay
Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at Bay Staying Social to keep Dementia at BayStaying Social to keep Dementia at Bay