Elderly women with larger social networks are less likely to develop dementia.

摘要

Question: Are social networks associated with reduced incidence of dementia in elderly women? People: 2249 women aged >77 years without a diagnosis of dementia at baseline (see outcomes for how dementia status was determined).Setting: Kaiser Permanente Southern California health maintenance group, USA; 2001-2005.Risk factors: Participants' social network size assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6). The scale measured the size of the social network (people heard from or seen at least once a month), perceived support network (people who could be called on for help) and perceived confidant network (people who could be talked to about private matters). The scale provides a total score between 0 and 30; higher scores indicate a larger network. Frequency of contact with family and friends was also assessed (less than 1, 1-2, 3-6 times/week and once a day).