Social Engagement, Good Health Key to Making Life With Dementia Bearable

A review of 198 studies published in Psychological Medicine determined that poor mental or physical health, problems such as agitation or apathy, and unmet needs are tied to poor quality of life for people with dementia, reports HealthDay News . Variables the researchers associated with better quality of life included positive relationships, social engagement, better daily functioning, good physical and mental health, and high-quality care. They saw no association between gender, education, marital status, income, age, or type of dementia with quality of life. "We now need to develop ways to put these findings into action to make a difference to people's lives by supporting relationships, social engagement, and everyday functioning, addressing poor physical and mental health, and ensuring high-quality care," says University of Exeter Professor Linda Clare.