Breaking Social Connections: Alzheimer’s and the Erosion of Social Cognition

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is usually recognised for its catastrophic impact on human memory and cognition. However, a less discussed but equally important consequence is the distortion of social cognition. Social cognition refers to a set of cognitive abilities that enable people to understand, integrate, and respond appropriately in various social contexts. Social cognition encompasses skills such as theory of mind, emotion recognition, social judgment, and empathy. In Alzheimer’s disease, as the brain tissues, especially the areas of the frontal lobe and the temporal lobes, degenerate, these social skills progressively decline. Patients may struggle to identify the emotions of their loved ones, misunderstand social cues, or show socially inappropriate behaviours. As a result, patients may experience intense frustration in social relationships, withdraw from social interaction, and feel social isolation. This erosion of social skills may lead to a “breakage of social cognition”, not just with their friends or family, but also with the society where they live. This article helps us to evaluate these cognitive connections and find the appropriate remedies to mitigate the after effects of these symptoms. Recognising these social changes by caregivers is crucial because early interventions, social engagement therapies, and empathy-based care can help patients slow down their symptoms and improve their quality of life.