New research has shown that social participation protects against the decline that occurs with the development of dementia. It noted that social factors play a larger role than previously thought in delaying cognitive decline.
The study conducted at the University of Utah warned against loneliness and isolation, as they contribute to the onset of dementia symptoms, while communication and social interaction protect against the development of these symptoms.
Professor Ming Wen, head of the Sociology Department at the university, stated, "When I started this research, I explored the factors that could protect individuals with mild cognitive impairment from progressing to dementia. I was surprised that some individuals with mild cognitive impairment became cognitively normal within 5 years."
According to "Medical News Today," it was found that among all the social and lifestyle factors evaluated in the study, social participation was the only significant indicator of being cognitively typical.
The researchers assessed lifestyle factors that affected 2,192 middle-aged and older adults over a period of 5 years, including factors such as social participation, smoking status and history, alcohol consumption, and participation in vigorous physical activity.
The results revealed that other factors besides social participation had a minor effect on the speed of dementia symptom decline, and social interaction is the best tool to slow it down.
