International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Previous studies have linked reduced survival in dementia with male sex, older age, longer duration of illness and increased severity of cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the potential influence of social factors (such as life events and social support) on the outcome of dementia. Sixty recently admitted patients with dementia (27 in-patients and 33 day patients) were given detailed psychiatric and social assessments. ⋯ These results suggest that factors related to social support are associated with the outcome of dementia. In particular, receiving meals on wheels or home help may be a marker of a lack of social support, which influences outcome. Further studies are required to examine these associations in more detail.