Predictors of Life Expectancy in Community‐Dwelling People with Dementia – The Role of Social Support

Abstract Background The aim of the present study was twofold: First, to examine the validity of previously reported sociodemographic (age, sex) and clinical predictors (cognitive status, functional status, comorbidities) for the life expectancy in people with dementia in a community sample. Second, to investigate the role of social support beyond individual predictors. Method The study utilizes data from 500 individuals living in the community who were diagnosed with dementia. These participants were monitored over a period of up to eight years. The research focused on assessing life expectancy in connection with established sociodemographic factors (such as age and sex), clinical predictors (including cognitive status, functional status, and comorbidities), and also considered the impact of social support. This was analyzed using Cox regression. Result Advanced age increased the risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05–1.11), while being female was associated with a lower mortality risk (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49–0.87). Higher cognitive (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.98) and functional status at baseline (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86–0.97) were linked to increased life expectancy. Greater support from the social environment reduced the risk of mortality (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64–0.99), even after accounting for clinical variables. Conclusion Previously reported sociodemographic and clinical predictors were confirmed within a community sample. Additionally, social support was found to predict life expectancy in individuals with dementia. Our findings highlight the crucial role of the social environment for the well‐being of individuals with dementia and emphasise the need for interventions that specifically address these factors.