The Role of Late-Life Social Participation in the Risk of Dementia: A Longitudinal Study
2024
The Role of Late-Life Social Participation in the Risk of Dementia
Sample size: 5893
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Xi, Lujintanon Sita, Amezcua Pablo Martinez, Schrack Jennifer
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Social connectedness may prevent dementia in community-dwelling older adults.
Conclusion
Multiple forms of social participation may help prevent dementia in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Composite social participation was associated with lower odds of dementia (OR: 0.41).
- Visiting family/friends was associated with lower odds of dementia (OR: 0.53).
- Attending religious services was associated with lower odds of dementia (OR: 0.64).
- Participating in organized activities was associated with lower odds of dementia (OR: 0.74).
- Going out for enjoyment was associated with lower odds of dementia (OR: 0.38).
Takeaway
Being social and participating in activities with others can help keep older people from getting dementia.
Methodology
Analyzed data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study with annual assessments of social participation and incident dementia.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 65 years and over in the United States.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
[0.31, 0.54]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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