Supporting Resilience of Older Adults with Cognitive Decline Requires a Multi-Level System Approach

Geeske Peeters, Almar Kok, Simone R. de Bruin, Crétien van Campen, Maud Graff, Minke Nieuwboer, Martijn Huisman, Barbara van Munster, Eddy A. van der Zee, Martien J. Kas, Marieke Perry, Debby L. Gerritsen, Elisabeth Vreede-Chabot, Anne-Mei The, Hein van Hout, Franka C. Bakker, Wilco P. Achterberg, Jenny T. van der Steen, Carolien Smits, René MelisMarcel Olde Rikkert

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The concept of resilience, i.e., the capacity of a system to bounce back after a stressor, is gaining interest across many fields of science, policy, and practice. To date, resilience research in people with cognitive decline has predominantly addressed the early stages of decline. We propose that: (1) resilience is a relevant concept in all stages of cognitive decline; and (2) a socio-ecological, multisystem perspective on resilience is required to advance understanding of, and care and support for people with cognitive decline and their support networks. We substantiate our position with literature and examples. Resilience helps understand differences in response to risk factors of (further) cognitive decline and informs personalised prevention. In a curative context, interventions to strengthen resilience aim to boost recovery from cognitive decline. In care for people with dementia, resilience-focused interventions can strengthen coping mechanisms to maintain functioning and well-being of the individual and their support network. A good example of improving resilience in the social and policy context is the introduction of age-friendly cities and dementia-friendly communities. Good care for people with cognitive decline requires a health and social care system that can adapt to changes in demand. Given the interdependency of resilience at micro-, meso- and macro-levels, an integrative socio-ecological perspective is required. Applying the concept of resilience in the field of cognitive decline opens new horizons for research to improve understanding, predicting, intervening on health and social care needs for the increasing population with cognitive decline.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)866-874
Number of pages9
JournalGerontology
Volume69
Issue number7
Early online date8 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2023

Keywords

  • Cognition
  • Dementia
  • Old age
  • Resilience
  • Socioecological system

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