Can social interaction combat dementia?
A pilot program known as I-CONECT, or Internet based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial, is connecting socially isolated seniors with trained conversationalists through online video chat. Previous studies have shown promising results, linking the effect regular conversation can have on fending off dementia.
“This could be an actual clinical intervention your doctor would prescribe – like exercise for a healthy heart,” said Jacob Lindsley, a senior research assistant in the Oregon Health and Science University Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.