Summary of Issue
- Social Isolation: Cognitive impairments can lead to reduced opportunities for social interaction.
- Stigma and Misunderstanding: Lack of awareness and understanding can result in social exclusion and discrimination.
- Mental Health Impact: Struggling with cognitive challenges often coexists with mental health issues, exacerbating feelings of loneliness.
Introduction
Living with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or intellectual disabilities presents unique challenges that significantly impact social connections. Cognitive impairments can lead to difficulties in communication, social isolation, and mental health struggles, contributing to a sense of disconnection. Understanding these barriers and finding ways to address them can help individuals with cognitive impairments maintain meaningful relationships and improve their overall well-being.
Why the Barrier Exists
Several factors contribute to the social disconnection experienced by individuals with cognitive impairments:
- Social Isolation: Cognitive impairments can make it difficult to engage in social interactions, leading to isolation.
- Stigma and Misunderstanding: Misunderstanding and lack of awareness about cognitive impairments can lead to discrimination and social exclusion.
- Communication Challenges: Difficulties in communication can hinder social interactions and relationships.
- Mental Health Impact: Cognitive impairments often co-occur with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, intensifying feelings of loneliness.
Stat from the 2023 Canadian Social Connection Survey: According to the survey, 57.5% of Canadians living with cognitive disabilities report feeling lonely. Additionally, 19.2% of people with learning disabilities report being lonely all the time and 20.5% of people with mental health disabilities report being lonely all the time.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of cognitive impairments on social connections and social health, consider these strategies:
- Join Support Groups: Participate in support groups for individuals with similar conditions to share experiences and build a sense of community.
- Leverage Technology: Use technology to facilitate communication and stay connected with friends and family.
- Educate Others: Raise awareness and educate others about cognitive impairments to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
- Seek Professional Support: Access mental health and cognitive rehabilitation services to address the emotional and practical challenges of living with cognitive impairments.
By promoting inclusive environments, joining support groups, leveraging technology, and raising awareness, individuals living with cognitive impairments can reduce social isolation and build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Expert Insight
A study done on stroke patients, examining the effects their quality of social connection had on cognitive function and depression found that “social connection and engagement may reduce the negative physical and psychological outcomes of stroke, both at baseline and after stroke. Efforts to enhance social engagement and diminish loneliness may both enhance population well-being and enhance resilience and recovery from stroke and other illnesses” (Elayoubi, Haley, Nelson, & Hueluer, 2023)
Community Resources/Solutions
To help manage the impact of cognitive impairments on social connections and social health, various organizations and groups provide support and opportunities for social connection:
- Alzheimer Society of Canada
- Description: Provides support and resources for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- How it Helps: Offers support groups, educational materials, and advocacy for better care.
- Contact Information: See contact form on the website.
- Brain Injury Canada
- Description: Supports individuals living with acquired brain injuries.
- How it Helps: Provides resources, advocacy, and support networks for individuals and families.
- Inclusion Canada
- Description: Advocates for the inclusion and rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
- How it Helps: Provides support services, advocacy, and community programs.
- Contact Information: Email: inform@inclusioncanada.ca
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for finding and building local communities, connecting people with similar interests.
- How it Helps: Encourages participation in local social groups and events, reducing isolation in shared living environments.
Further Reading
- Associations between social connections and cognition: a global collaborative individual participant data meta-analysis published by The Lancet Healthy Longevity.
- How Social Connection and Engagement Relate to Functional Limitations and Depressive Symptoms Outcomes After Stroke published in Stroke.