Evidence-based facilitator strategies for enhancing social engagement in groups of older adults with ADRD.

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is exacerbated by social isolation. One potential intervention for improving the health outcomes of individuals with ADRD is by providing opportunities for socialization that are highly engaging.

METHODS

To identify strategies for enhancing social engagement, we studied recorded virtual group sessions of older adults aged ≥ 65, with mild to moderate ADRD who interacted with younger adult facilitators. We developed multivariate regression models that use data describing group behavior, activity, and composition to predict enhanced engagement.

RESULTS

We identified predictors of enhanced engagement related to group composition, structure, leadership, and mode of delivery. These results inform strategies for designing group settings which maximize engagement by using the synergistic influence of whole social groups on individuals.

DISCUSSION

We make evidence-based treatment recommendations for facilitators seeking to maximize engagement and make recommendations for future research investigating the preservation or loss of social engagement.

HIGHLIGHTS

Social isolation is a major contributing factor to the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Virtual socialization can help mitigate lack of opportunity for social contact. Audio-video data describing group activity were used to predict social engagement. Group size, behavior, composition, and time spoken contributed to social engagement. Experienced group facilitators maximized engagement by supporting conversation.