How dementia affects your social life
Dementia causes many physical, behavioural and emotional changes that impact the lives of older adults. Here, we explore how their social life may be affected by cognitive decline.
How does dementia impact social interactions?
Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder causing symptoms like memory loss and communication issues. Naturally, this can impact the person’s social interactions, their confidence to be around others, and their ability to communicate.
Some dementia patients find it difficult to follow conversations, interpret tone or expressions, or find the language to express themselves. This can lead to frustration or embarrassment, causing them to withdraw from social situations and become more isolated and lonely over time. A survey published by Alzheimer’s Society found that 15% of those with dementia say they avoid certain activities in case they are not welcomed or accepted, while 33% say they have become emotionally distant from friends.
Why is socialising important for people with dementia?
Socialising is vital for anyone, but for those with dementia, long periods without contact are more detrimental. Studies show that being around others can help people with dementia by:
- Maintaining cognitive function and mental agility as their condition progresses (studies find social engagement may improve cognitive health in dementia patients)
- Supporting their emotional wellbeing by providing a sense of connection
- Reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Helping avoid mental health issues like depression, which are common in dementia
- Stimulating memory by engaging in conversations
- Improving communication skills
- Providing reassurance and a sense of belonging
- Supporting their confidence and helping them enjoy a higher quality of life
How can people with dementia socialise?
People with dementia can socialise in ways that best match their abilities and comfort. For example, someone with mild dementia may feel fine attending family gatherings, but someone with advanced dementia may prefer one-on-one time. A 2025 study found over half of participants (family and caregivers) said singing, telling stories, or moving together could be beneficial for dementia patients.
Some ways people with dementia may socialise include:
- Small gatherings of familiar family or friends to reduce confusion and stress
- Community groups for safe, structured activities
- Hobby participation, such as fitness classes or creative activities
- Adult day care
- Tech-based communication from home, like video calls
- Befriending services
- Professional caregivers
How can we help?
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How to manage loneliness in a loved one with dementia
A study funded by Alzheimer’s Society found that around one third of dementia patients experience loneliness, so you may be rightfully concerned about a loved one with dementia becoming isolated. There are ways to manage loneliness in dementia patients, such as:
- Providing structured routines
- Encouraging socialising through at-home family and friend visits
- Attending community or support groups together
- Creating a familiar environment to improve their comfort and reduce anxiety
- Utilising technology to communicate if in-person is not possible, such as video calls
- Listening to their worries or struggles, and offering a listening ear
- Involving them in tasks to boost their sense of purpose
- Engaging professional caregivers to provide regular companionship
Why Home Instead?
Dementia leads to a lot of change, both for the person living with dementia and their family. Helping your loved one create a robust and fulfilling social life can be challenging whilst balancing other life responsibilities, so specialist dementia care can lighten the load by managing their physical needs while also providing regular companionship.
At Home Instead, our Care Professionals are trained in person-centred dementia care using a programme that is City & Guilds Assured. We are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, and many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can trust our Care Professionals to support and adapt your loved one’s social life to fit their cognitive abilities and comfort level.
Tim Howell , Learning and Development Partner
For the past 16 years, I have been dedicated to the care sector, progressing from Care Professional to Care Manager, and later assuming roles such as Specialist Training Manager. Currently, as a Learning and Development Partner at Home Instead’s National Office, I develop and review training programs, collaborate with external organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society, and manage various impactful projects.
My passion for dementia care has guided much of my work, from engaging with advanced dementia support initiatives, such as those offered by the End of Life Partnership, to staying informed through events like the annual Dementia Summit. These efforts reflect my deep commitment to enhancing the care and quality of life for individuals living with dementia