L’impact de la maladie d’Alzheimer sur la participation sociale des personnes qui en sont atteintes et leurs proches. Une fatalité?

Abstract

Social participation has significant positive impacts on the health of seniors. However, those with cognitive impairment live with limitations that affect their social participation. Yet, they also benefit from the positive impacts of social participation. This article reports the results of a study conducted with caregivers and whose goals are to identify the measures and barriers regarding the social participation of their loved ones who have to deal with cognitive disorders, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. Among the barriers and measures identified, the study shows that the social environment plays a fundamental role in the social participation of seniors with a cognitive disorder. However, we collectively have the power to influence the social participation of these people. It is important to take action in order to give people with a cognitive impairment the opportunity to engage in some form of social participation according to their interests and abilities.