Personal social network strengthens adherence to lifestyle changes in individuals with subjective cognitive decline

Abstract

Introduction: Providing medical advice regarding lifestyle changes is currently the most effective intervention for delaying dementia onset among individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Adherence to such advice can be influenced by individual's social environment. We measured that impact within a Latinamerican population.

Methods: We recruited 183 SCD individuals from a Memory Clinic, analyzed their health-related, and provided them with medical advice. We assessed personal network composition and its healthy habits. We evaluated adherence to medical advice 6 months later.

Results: The proportion of heavy drinkers in the network is a risk factor to reduce alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 31.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] [3.73,301], p = 0.002), poor diets in the network hinders improving diet (p < 0.001 OR = 74.1, 95% CI [14.7,471]), and sedentary people in the network make it difficult to start exercising (OR = 4.92 95% CI [1.39,18.8], p = 0.016).

Discussion: Personal networks have an inertial effect, as relationships engaged in an unhealthy habit lower the probability of individuals to quit that habit.