Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00252

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Social networks of people with dementia: Roles of informal and formal contact persons

Hofbauer, L. M. (First author)DZNE* ; Knecht, H. L.DZNE* ; Rodriguez, F. S. (Last author)DZNE*

2025
Springer Heidelberg

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s10389-025-02575-1

Abstract: AimStudies on the social environment of people with dementia are largely limited to the closest informal contacts of people with dementia. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the roles of both informal and formal contacts.Subject and methodsParticipants (n = 405) who replied to items concerning the social networks of people with dementia in the Social Resources in the Living Environment of People with Dementia (SoRe-Dem) Study were included. Participants were asked about the frequency of contact between contact persons and people with dementia, contact persons’ roles in the perceived progression of dementia, and contact persons’ influence on life with dementia. Participants also reported on conversation partners and characteristics of a good support network for people with dementia.ResultsFrequency of contact showed medium-to-high correlations with impact on perceived dementia progression and life with dementia. Partners and other close informal contacts consistently emerged as particularly important, including for conversations. A good support network was described as comprising both formal and informal contacts that take a person-centred approach, enable individualised activities, support the daily routine, aid integration into the community, educate about dementia, and provide emotional support.ConclusionOur findings underscore the critical importance of partners and other close informal contacts in all aspects of the daily lives of people with dementia. Strengthening the quality of contributions by the close network and increasing contact with the broader network could improve the lives of people with dementia.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Psychosocial Epidemiology and Public Health (AG Rodriguez)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Emerging Sources Citation Index ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Web of Science Core Collection

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