Size of Core Network: Why Less May Be More for Older Adults with Dementia

Whilst several studies in the literature have explored the phenomenon of agitation, the majority of these studies have been pharmacologic in nature. Older adults with dementia living at home may feel neglected and isolated because they are separated from their community. Receiving social support and maintaining friendships are associated with decreased agitation in older adults. It is yet to be determined whether frequency of contact with the core network and its size impact patients’ outcomes. This study aimed at describing the impact of caregiver network on patient outcomes in older adults with dementia. First, three theories were discussed, followed by a discussion of the association between core network and patient outcomes. A review of the empirical evidence related to core network was presented. The three models used are namely the socioemotional selectivity theory (SST), progressively lowered stress threshold (PLST) model, and needs-driven dementia-compromised behavior (NDB) model, were used to explain how core network size and frequency of contact with the core network can predict outcomes such as affect and agitation among older adults with dementia.