Social Interaction: Can Lack Of It Cause Dementia?

A decline in social interaction often takes place as we grow older and our social circle gets smaller. Decreased income, health challenges, bereavement, and a change in living circumstances can reduce the number of people we socialize with. Let’s take a look at the benefits of interacting with others,  fun activities and why these are so important for our mental wellbeing.

Can Reduced Social Interaction Cause Dementia?

Studies show that there is a link between reduced social interaction and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Loneliness and isolation take their toll on our stress levels, mental health, brain function, and overall wellbeing.

Pair of seniors doing social interaction with each other

Someone with dementia may experience memory loss and anxiety, making it more difficult to interact with others. This can be a vicious circle with more isolation leading to more dementia which in turn leads to more loneliness.

Sharing anecdotes and discussing interesting topics with friends stimulates the brain and improves cognitive function. Even something as simple as eye contact and a smile from a friendly nurse is a great form of social interaction.

How to Expand Social Interaction?

Widening your social circle while maintaining contacts with loved ones, requires energy and time. It can be hard to take the initiative and make new friends on your own.

Luckily, there are ways to expand social interaction, such as by attending local discussion groups, language, or art classes. It’s easier to make friends if you can bond over a shared interest, such as a love of classical music.

If for any reason you currently can’t meet with your loved ones, chatting with friends and family via a video link can be a boon. After all, face-to-face conversations, even via video, activate the brain and can help stave off cognitive decline.

Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn NY

We understand the importance of interacting socially with others and provide plenty of opportunities for our clients to do so. We organize discussion groups and encourage clients to chat with each other, reminisce, and share a laugh together. Interacting with peers can put a smile on your face and make a huge difference to your mood and outlook. Our staff help clients overcome any shyness and treat them as part of the family.

Our top-notch facilities, friendly therapists, and varied entertainment program encourage banter, companionship and social interaction. We offer a host of recreational activities and support our clients to do the things they love doing.

Our clients enjoy playing games, doing arts and crafts, and taking yoga classes in the company of others. Clients love the poetry, games and singing contests we organize. Social interaction is vital, which is why we do our utmost to create an engaging, positive, fun environment for everyone.

Feel free to contact us to talk about our Brooklyn-based adult day care center’s socialization and rehab services. We offer door-to-door transportation, healthy meals and snacks. We regularly check the health condition of our senior as well as TBI clients. Our medical professionals, psychologists and rehab therapists make sure that our client’s mental health is not declining.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.