Researchers are investigating social factors that influence the risk of dementia, and the implications for the health and social care sector

By understanding how social factors influence the risk of dementia, companies can play a key role in supporting the needs of the aging population.

Social factors are increasingly recognized as major contributors to the risk of dementia – a condition characterized by significant loss of cognitive function, which affects thinking, memory and reasoning and disrupts daily life. Research resultsco-led by UNSW Business School and UNSW Medicine, provides insights for the healthcare and wellbeing sector to develop targeted strategies.

More and more people are living longer and the risk of dementia is a growing concern. However, it turns out that social factors, and not just genetics and lifestyle, play an important role in cognitive health.

Dementia Australiasays more than 421,000 people in Australia are estimated to be living with some form of dementia by 2024. This figure is expected to rise to more than 812,500 by 2054 and the disease is expected to become the leading cause of death among Australians.

Research from UNSW shows that marital status, living conditions, income and education are among the most important social determinants affecting the risk of dementia. The findings, published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A, emphasizes the importance of taking social factors into account in dementia prevention strategies.

“We know that a healthy lifestyle – factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of dementia, but our research shows that social factors are just as important,” says Associate Professor Katja Hanewald, from the UNSW Business School, which contributed to the UNSW research.

“And while more companies are developing programs for an aging population, too few are taking these critical social determinants into account.”

A new tool for social risk assessment

The research team developed a ‘poly social risk score’ to assess overall social risk. This score collects 19 social determinants of health in five domains.

“The polysocial risk score was developed using Principal Component Analysis to aggregate social determinants across economic stability, education, access to healthcare, neighborhood environment and social context,” said Shu Chen, a UNSW Business School Scientia Ph.D. graduate, who led the research.

“The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater social risk,” she said.

This instrument can help companies and healthcare providers identify individuals or groups with a higher risk and tailor interventions accordingly.

Key social determinants of dementia risk

For the study, researchers analyzed long-term longitudinal data from older adults to examine the relationship between social factors, including marital status, living arrangements and income, and the risk of developing dementia.

“Being married or in a partnership provides emotional and social support, which can help reduce stress and promote mental health, lowering the risk of dementia,” says Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty, from the Center for Healthy Brain Aging, at UNSW.

“Similarly, those who live alone or are socially isolated may miss out on the social interactions that are important for cognitive health, increasing the risk of dementia,” he says.

Higher income levels are also associated with a lower risk of dementia. “A higher household income is often associated with better access to health care, a healthier living environment and less chronic stress,” says Chen.

“In terms of education, higher levels of education are linked to greater cognitive reserve, which may delay the onset of dementia symptoms by making the brain more resilient to damage,” she said.

Consequences for companies and society

The researchers say these findings have significant implications for companies and workplaces, especially those in the healthcare and wellbeing sectors, where employee wellbeing is directly linked to job performance and overall health. Focusing on reducing the risk of dementia can not only improve the health of employees, but also bring economic benefits to companies.

“Reducing the risk of dementia can lead to significant economic benefits, including lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity within the workforce,” says A/Prof. Hanewald.

This makes it particularly relevant for sectors directly related to health and wellbeing, where the demand for preventive measures is greater.

The research suggests that companies need to look beyond just promoting physical health and integrate social interventions into their wellness programs.

“Companies should focus on initiatives that promote social interaction, such as team building activities, social clubs and community service projects, to improve the social environment of employees,” says A/Prof. Hanewald.

By improving lifestyle and social factors in the workplace, companies can improve the well-being of their employees and help the aging population. Service providers, including financial institutions, could develop customized products and services, such as retirement plans or affordable health care packages, that increase economic stability for older adults.

“For society, these interventions can reduce the burden on health care systems and long-term care facilities while improving the overall well-being and economic stability of older adults,” she said.

The power of social connections and daily habits

Prof. Brodaty says that while we can’t control every aspect of our environment, our daily choices can have a significant impact on brain health.

“Our research reveals a powerful insight: your social connections and daily habits could be your brain’s best defense against dementia,” he says. “By staying active and maintaining meaningful relationships, even in difficult circumstances, you can significantly reduce your risk.”

The researchers hope that these findings will encourage companies to consider social factors when developing programs for an aging population and encourage individuals to prioritize social connections in addition to physical health.

“Designing good quality wellness programs is an important element that companies can do for the benefit of society,” says Prof. Brodaty. “That means we need to design them for people’s holistic needs, including their social environment, and not just their physical health.”