Social frailty tied to higher dementia risk
UNSW Sydney researchers report in The Journals of Gerontology that older adults classified as socially frail had a roughly 47% higher risk of developing dementia over 12 years compared with non‑frail peers. The study followed 851 dementia‑free adults aged 70+ in Sydney’s suburbs, using biennial neuropsychological testing and adjusting for physical and psychological frailty and health history; low family/financial satisfaction, infrequent contact, and limited social activity were the strongest contributors.
📌 Key Facts
- Peer‑reviewed study in The Journals of Gerontology
- Cohort: 851 adults 70+ in Sydney, followed 12+ years
- Outcome: ~47% higher dementia risk in socially frail vs. non‑frail
- Adjustments: controlled for physical/psychological frailty and health history
- Key drivers: low family/financial satisfaction, infrequent contact, limited social participation
📊 Relevant Data
The age-adjusted incidence rate of dementia among First Nations people aged 45 and over in Australia is about 2.5 times as high as the rate among non-Indigenous Australians. First Nations people make up approximately 3.8% of the Australian population.
Dementia in Australia — Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience high rates of associated risk factors for dementia such as head injury, epilepsy, and chronic vascular diseases, which may contribute to their higher dementia prevalence.