Abstract
Introduction
Dementia is a syndrome with complex underlying bio-psycho-social mechanisms relevant for prevention and intervention. This work presents a mixed research knowledge synthesis, mapping the multidimensional interplay of social health and cognitive functioning in dementia.
Methods
Data integration from 1) systematic review, 2) group model building workshops, (3) iterative integration of multi-national cohort studies (4) ongoing revisions of the social health concept via expert discussions.
Results
The map comprises more than 50 markers, clustered in six domains (social health, psychological pathways, physiological pathways, health behavior pathways, brain/cognitive reserve, cognitive functioning). The social health domain is structured in six sub-domains representing a novel conceptual understanding. Three pathways (physiological, psychological, health behavior) reflect principal mechanisms connecting social health with brain/cognitive reserve and cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
The map depicts dynamic relationships between social health and cognitive functioning that can serve as a basis for recommendations, both for prevention and for improved dementia care.