Can Social Interaction Slow The Progression Of Dementia?

Dementia can affect a senior loved one and their families in so many ways. Memory loss occurs and continues to progress and there are concerns about what might happen next. If your senior loved one is someone who enjoys regular social interaction, you may be asking “what will this mean for them”. There are meaningful ways to provide them with the support they need for dementia, including how they socially interact with others even when their condition becomes more advanced.

Strong social connections, believe it or not, are known to help slow down cognitive decline while also improving your senior loved one’s emotional well-being. Even staff members in memory care communities know this to the point where they carefully and thoughtfully craft activities where social engagement is part of participating.

Dementia Is More Than Memory Loss

Dementia affects not just memory, but also your senior loved one’s thinking and social abilities. In short, they can interfere with their daily functions. Commonly, dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. However, other forms of dementia such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia can also be the cause as well.

Memory loss is one of the major symptoms, although it can affect everything else such as their mood, communication, and the ability to perform basic tasks among others. Since it’s a progressive condition, the symptoms get worse over time. However, progression can be delayed through thoughtful and meaningful approaches such as social interaction in a memory care setting.

How Social Interaction Plays A Role In Cognitive Health?

By nature, humans are social. As such, consistent social interactions with others can be uplifting as well as mentally stimulating in individuals. Especially if they are dealing with a condition like dementia. Activities like conversations, group meals, music therapy, and even guided games are perfect for engaging the brain while also reducing cognitive decline in the process. There are plenty of key benefits to social interaction that supports cognitive health including:

• Mental stimulation: The talking and listening aspect of communication activates the areas of the brain that are connected to memory, language, and reasoning.

• Emotional stability: Connections with other people can help reduce the feelings of being isolated. It can also reduce depression and confusion as well.

• Reduced agitation: Even for a senior loved one who doesn’t get agitated often, it may be a bit out of character for them to act as such. In order to reduce irritability and restlessness, social interaction can help.

• Improved physical health: Physical health and cognitive health go hand in hand. That is why people who are more connected socially can benefit physically and follow routines that will be best suited for their physical health and fitness.

The thing to remember is that no social interaction should be complex. A small group conversation, storytelling, or sharing a lunch with someone can be beneficial for your senior loved one. They’ll feel like they belong somewhere and feel valued.

Social Interactions In A Safe Environment

Memory care communities provide a safe environment for your senior loved one. Especially if they are engaging socially with others such as staff members, other residents, and even you and other family members. Nevertheless, a safe and structured environment can make it easier for them to socialize, especially when consistent personalized daily routines are part of the daily life. Your senior loved one can anticipate the social activities that go on every day.

Whether it’s a group event, one-on-one interactions, or family visits, the staff is always carefully and strategically designing these social opportunities. With familiar routines as the cornerstone, it can help reduce anxiety and agitation that may be triggered by events that may seem unfamiliar to your senior loved one. 

How To Support Your Senior Loved One With Dementia

Social interaction is all part of the support your senior loved one needs when dealing with dementia. It can be small and simple enough to where they don’t feel so overwhelmed. Regular visits and engaging in simple conversation is one example of providing them support that means a lot to them. They may also participate in group activities where family members can be allowed to join alongside them for the purpose of creating those special moments that last forever.

See How Social Interaction Makes a Difference For Your Loved One at Waterview The Cove

Your senior loved one deserves to be in the best hands at Waterview The Cove. Our staff is always focused on their care needs and will also make sure that your loved one has the opportunity to socialize regularly to ensure that the progression of dementia is as slow as possible. For more information on how we can assist you, contact us at Waterview The Cove today!