Did my post yesterday result in your consumption of apple pie? If not, maybe the above photo will nudge you to enjoy a slice of pie à la mode.
Social media platforms can offer meaningful benefits for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients by supporting identity, connection, and memory.¹ There are risks with social media, and precautions are encouraged.
Key Benefits
Identity Continuity: Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn help AD patients maintain a sense of who they are by connecting their pre- and post-diagnosis lives.
Reminiscence: The “memories” and photo-sharing features on social media allow patients to look back at past events, family milestones, and personal achievements.
Social Connection: Staying in touch with friends and family reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are linked to faster cognitive decline. There are numerous Alzheimer’s patient support groups that provide a platform for sharing tips, discussing common interests, and making new friends.
Mental Stimulation: Interacting with posts, reading updates, and playing simple digital games provide low-stress cognitive engagement. TikTok and Instagram offer entertainment and information that can provide cognitive stimulation.
We often hear the many ways social media can worsen mental health for younger generations, but when used correctly and responsibly, social media platforms have become integral parts of daily life for many early- to mid-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
Outside of Reddit, I did not engage or participate in social media before my Alzheimer’s diagnosis. My life was busy, and Linda and I preferred meeting friends on our front porch, at restaurants, and while traveling. Like most everything in our lives, my Alzheimer’s diagnosis changed how we socialize. Because I am unable to drive, social media offers opportunities for us to engage with people with similar interests.
While social media offers many benefits, it’s essential to stay safe online. Caregivers should take steps to protect their loved one’s safety while preserving independence and dignity.
Risks and Precautions
Confusion and Overstimulation: Complex interfaces or negative interactions can trigger frustration, anxiety, or delusions.
Online Scams: Patients may struggle to recognize digital fraud, phishing, or misinformation. I often see videos on Instagram promoting questionable cognitive improvement therapies.
Need for Supervision: Caregivers should use privacy settings, monitor interactions, and guide usage to keep the experience safe and positive.
Secure Account Settings
Lock Down Privacy Controls: Go into the settings of platforms like Facebook or Instagram and change the visibility to “Friends Only”. Turn off public search visibility so strangers cannot find their profile or send unsolicited messages.
Manage Passwords Jointly: Talk to your loved one early about sharing passwords so you can log in to check for unusual activity. Keep passwords stored in a secure offline location or a family password manager.
Enable App Download Restrictions: In the device’s main system settings, set up a requirement that requires a password (which only you know) before any new application can be downloaded. This stops accidental downloads of sketchy platforms or games riddled with in-app purchases.
Curate the Digital Environment
Reduce Overstimulation: Turn off nonessential notifications and alerts. Constant buzzing and popping banners on the screen can cause severe confusion, anxiety, or a feeling of being rushed.
Prune the Friends List: Periodically review their connections. Remove duplicate or hacked profiles, and unfriend individuals they no longer recognize or who post highly stressful, politically charged, or negative content.
Install Ad Blockers: Use reputable browser extensions to block pop-ups. Individuals with cognitive decline are highly susceptible to malicious clickbait ads, fake prize wins, or misleading health advice.
Protect Financial & Personal Information
De-link Financial Accounts: Remove all saved credit cards, bank accounts, and payment app information from the device’s internet browsers and app stores.
Hide Personal Details: Ensure their public profile does not list their home address, phone number, date of birth, or routine schedules.
Establish Behavior Boundaries
Identify Emotional Triggers: Watch how your loved one reacts. If a specific topic, news source, or online acquaintance routinely makes them angry or triggers a delusion, unfollow or block that source immediately.
Consider a “View and Like Only” Rule: If typing or commenting begins to cause frustration - or if they accidentally post inappropriate or confusing remarks - gently guide them toward treating social media purely as a digital photo album. Encourage them to look at photos and use the “Like” button rather than drafting text.
I believe the benefits of social media involvement for Alzheimer’s patients outweigh the risks. Smart social media usage can help fight depression, continued cognitive decline, and feelings of isolation.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Greg
Greg Rowland’s Alzheimer’s Journey is dedicated to honest reflection and thought-provoking opinions. While we build this publication into a self-sustaining platform through donations, you can support our sustainability plan via our GoFundMe. Reading, subscribing, and sharing this work with others is equally appreciated. Thank you for walking this road with us.