Social interaction is crucial for dementia patients as it boosts mood, reduces depression/anxiety, maintains cognitive function, provides a sense of purpose and improves overall quality of life by stimulating the brain, reducing stress and fostering connection, with studies showing it can slow decline and enhance well-being through simple conversation, group activities, and family time.
Cognitive Benefits:
- Maintains Brain Function: Social engagement challenges the brain, enhancing cognitive resilience and adaptability.
- Builds Cognitive Reserve: Stronger social contact is linked to higher cognitive reserve, potentially protecting against dementia progression.
- Neuroplasticity: Social stimulation helps the brain form new neural connections crucial for memory.
Emotional & Psychological Benefits:
- Improves Mood: Reduces depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
- Increases Well-being: Fosters happiness, belonging, and a sense of purpose, as noted in nursing home residents.
- Reduces Agitation: Person-centered social engagement, like reminiscence therapy, can lower agitation.
Practical Benefits:
- Maintains Independence: Helps individuals feel more socially and functionally independent.
- Supports Caregivers: Positive social networks for patients can also ease the burden on family caregivers.
Our group organizes multiple social events each year for dementia patients and their caregivers. In year 2025 we organized a picnic, get-together at a restaurant and Navratri celebrations to encourage social interaction among the group members. Each event was thoroughly enjoyed and well appreciated by the members of the group.
Below is one representative feedback from one of the caregivers.
४ ऑक्टोबर २०२५ रोजी आम्ही पेशंट आणि त्यांच्या कुटुंबीयांसाठी एक गेट-टुगेदर आयोजित केले होते त्याबद्दल श्री. पाठक लिहीतात की,
“कालचं गेट-टुगेदर छानच झालं. सर्वांनी मनसोक्त आनंद लुटला, त्याबद्दल डॉक्टर मंगलताई, त्यांची सपोर्ट टीम अभिनंदनास खचितच पात्र आहेत, अभिनंदन! डिमेंशिया व तत्सम विकारात, एवढं मन लावून स्वतःला झोकून देत व अन्यांना आपल्यात सहभागी करून घेत जिद्द आणि चिकाटीने काम करणं खचितच कौतुकास्पद आहे…..”