Recognition of social health: A conceptual framework in the context of dementia research

Abstract

ObjectiveThe recognition of dementia as a multifactorial disorder encourages the exploration of new pathways to understand its origins. Social health might play a role in cognitive decline and dementia, but conceptual clarity is lacking and this hinders investigation of associations and mechanisms. The objective is to develop a conceptual framework for social health to advance conceptual clarity in future studies.ProcessWe use the following steps: underpinning for concept advancement, concept advancement by the development of a conceptual model, and exploration of its potential feasibility. An iterative consensus-based process was used within the international multidisciplinary SHARED project.Conceptual frameworkUnderpinning of the concept drew from a synthesis of theoretical, conceptual and epidemiological work, and resulted in a definition of social health as wellbeing that relies on capacities both of the individual and the social environment. Consequently, domains in the conceptual framework are on both the individual (e.g., social participation) and the social environmental levels (e.g., social network). We hypothesize that social health acts as a driver for use of cognitive reserve which can then slow cognitive impairment or maintain cognitive functioning. The feasibility of the conceptual framework is demonstrated in its practical use in identifying and structuring of social health markers within the SHARED project.DiscussionThe conceptual framework provides guidance for future research and facilitates identification of modifiable risk and protective factors, which may in turn shape new avenues for preventive interventions. We highlight the paradigm of social health in dementia as a priority for dementia research.

Beneficial and Impeding Factors for the Implementation of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Interventions—A Gender-Specific Focus Group Study

“…These are, e.g., support, social pressure or last but not least social demands enforced by norms. In a quite new conceptual framework, Vernooij-Dassen and colleagues mention the factors of structure and function (e.g., exchanging support) and appraisal of the social environment as main aspects of social health in relation to dementia and also emphasize the relevance for interventions [ 26 ].…”

Social health and change in cognitive capability among older adults: findings from four European longitudinal studies

“…We distinguish between structural and functional social health markers based primarily on work from Vernooij-Dassen and colleagues [9], complemented by the social networks model by Berkman, and social health domains identified by Huber [26, 27]. Structural characteristics represent the structure of the social network itself in determining opportunities by which the social network can influence health (e.g., marital status, social network size, and frequency of social contact).…”

“…Terms such as social connection, social network, social functioning, and social engagement are used interchangeably. Our paper capitalises on recent conceptual advancement in this area that uses the term social health for clarity [9]. Social health is a concept covering a range of individual and environmental social markers such as social participation and appraisal of social environment [9].…”

“…Our paper capitalises on recent conceptual advancement in this area that uses the term social health for clarity [9]. Social health is a concept covering a range of individual and environmental social markers such as social participation and appraisal of social environment [9]. Researchers have theorised that markers of social health can influence cognition through a combination of physiological, psychological, or behavioural pathways.…”

Social Health and Change in Cognitive Capability among Older Adults: Findings from Four European Longitudinal Studies

“…Social network models have previously identified structural and functional domains of the immediate social environment [10,11]. As Vernooij-Dassen et al [9] outline, structure refers to the social ties between individuals within networks (e.g., marital status, social network size, and frequency of social contact), while function refers to the actual exchanges between network members (e.g., social engagement and social support). Previous research has used this classification of structural and functional domains when examining aspects of social networks with health outcomes [12][13][14][15].…”