Ontario Clinical Practice Exam

Frequent social interactions do not contribute to dementia; in fact, they can have a protective effect on cognitive health. Engaging in social activities is often associated with cognitive resilience, helping to maintain mental functioning and reduce the risk of dementia. Studies suggest that people who maintain strong social connections may experience slower cognitive decline compared to those who are socially isolated.

In contrast, physical changes in the brain, chronic health conditions, and genetic predisposition are well-documented factors that can increase the risk of developing dementia. For example, physical changes might include the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases can impact overall brain health and function. Genetic predisposition, particularly with specific genes like APOE-e4, is a strong risk factor for certain types of dementia. Thus, maintaining social interactions is beneficial, making it the correct choice in this context.