Unpacking the Relationship Between Social Engagement and Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Analysis of Structural, Functional, and Qualitative Dimensions

Abstract

Background: Social engagement is a well‐recognized protective factor against cognitive decline and dementia. However, the specific roles of its structural (e.g. network size or interaction frequency), functional (e.g. emotional or instrumental support), and qualitative (e.g. relationship quality) dimensions remain unclear.