The human brain is like a beautifully woven tapestry of thoughts and emotions. Just as a snag in a thread can disrupt the entire pattern, neurodegenerative dementia can disrupt the intricate fabric of social cognition. By examining various types of dementia, this systematic review dives deep into how different components of social cognition are affected. It’s like exploring a garden with different types of flowers – each type of dementia has its unique profile of social cognitive deterioration. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, emotional processing takes a hit, but theory of mind impairment is more prominent in frontotemporal dementia. The findings suggest that early detection and diagnosis can lead to better interventions and support for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. So put on your detective hat and dive into this review to uncover the fascinating relationship between deficits in social cognition and neurodegenerative dementia!
BackgroundNeurodegenerative diseases might affect social cognition in various ways depending on their components (theory of mind, emotional processing, attribution bias, and social perception) and the subtype of dementia they cause. This review aims to explore this difference in cognitive function among individuals with different aetiologies of dementia.MethodsThe following databases were explored: MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. We selected studies examining social cognition in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases in which dementia was the primary symptom that was studied. The neurodegenerative diseases included Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The search yielded 2,803 articles.ResultsOne hundred twenty-two articles were included in the present review. The summarised results indicate that people with neurodegenerative diseases indeed have deficits in social cognitive performance. Both in populations with Alzheimer’s disease and in populations with frontotemporal dementia, we found that emotional processing was strongly affected. However, although theory of mind impairment could also be observed in the initial stages of frontotemporal dementia, in Alzheimer’s disease it was only appreciated when performing highly complex task or in advanced stages of the disease.ConclusionsEach type of dementia has a differential profile of social cognition deterioration. This review could provide a useful reference for clinicians to improve detection and diagnosis, which would undoubtedly guarantee better interventions.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020152562, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020152562.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.