Social connections and meaningful relationships play a significant role in everyone’s emotional and physical wellbeing — but they become even more important for people living with dementia. Dementia can sometimes lead to social withdrawal, whether through stigma, fear of misunderstanding, or the practical difficulties that come with socialising. Yet maintaining relationships and regular interaction is one of the most valuable things we can support.
Why Social Connection Matters in Dementia
Regular interaction and maintained relationships can:
- Stimulate cognitive function, helping to maintain skills and slow cognitive decline
- Reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression
- Support physical health — social activities often involve movement and engagement
- Provide a sense of belonging, identity, and emotional continuity
On the other side, social isolation can significantly worsen dementia symptoms — increasing confusion, raising levels of anxiety and depression, reducing physical activity, and eroding a person’s sense of self. Recognising and actively addressing isolation is an essential part of good dementia care.
Practical Ways to Maintain Relationships
Regular visits from family and friends
Frequent, familiar contact creates comfort and a sense of continuity. Short, regular visits are often more effective and less overwhelming than infrequent longer ones. Familiar faces, voices, and shared memories all matter.
Community activities
Dementia-friendly community activities provide opportunities for social interaction and meaningful engagement in safe, supportive environments. Options include memory cafés, singing groups, art and craft clubs, and gentle exercise or walking groups. For more on the benefits of group activities and how to find them, see [Encourage Regular Participation in Group Activities to Reduce Isolation and Support Wellbeing.]
Technology for staying connected
When in-person visits are difficult, technology can help maintain connections — video calls, digital photo sharing, and online communities all have a role to play. For practical guidance on getting started, see [Use Technology to Help the Person You Care For Stay Connected with Family and Friends.]
Building new relationships
New friendships formed through dementia support groups or activities can provide valuable additional social support and understanding — particularly for people who have become more isolated as the condition has progressed.
Shared interests and hobbies
Identifying and engaging in shared hobbies or interests strengthens relationships and provides enjoyable, meaningful interaction that doesn’t rely on conversation alone.
Overcoming Barriers
Common barriers to social interaction — transport difficulties, stigma, or fear of misunderstanding — are real but often surmountable. Local dementia support organisations frequently offer practical solutions such as transport assistance or accompanied visits. It’s always worth asking what’s available in your area.
Carers and family members can also help by educating friends and wider family about dementia to reduce stigma, encouraging and facilitating social opportunities, and creating a supportive environment where the person living with dementia feels confident and welcome.
Meaningful connection doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A regular phone call, a familiar face at the door, or an hour at a local group can make a profound difference to someone’s sense of who they are and how they feel.
In the Getting to Know Dementia programme we explore dementia as an umbrella term — looking at what different types have in common and how understanding progression can help us support people better. Find out more about the programme and upcoming dates.
Sources
NHS. Dementia — Living Well. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/
Alzheimer’s Society. Staying Connected and Socially Active. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/staying-connected-and-socially-active
Dementia UK. Loneliness and Dementia. https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/maintaining-health-in-dementia/loneliness-and-dementia/