Mapping social participation interventions for adults with a neurodegenerative condition: a scoping review of in-person and digital community approaches.

Abstract

Individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Dementia, and Multiple Sclerosis, often experience significant social isolation due to physical and cognitive limitations that hinder social participation. Social isolation can lead to loneliness and reduced quality of life. This scoping review aimed to map interventions designed to enhance social connectedness and mitigate these effects. Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, key databases were searched. Inclusion criteria focused on interventions fostering social participation in adults with neurodegenerative conditions. Themes were identified through a narrative synthesis approach. A total of 1,038 articles were screened, with 37 meeting the inclusion criteria. Most interventions involved in-person group activities, with digital interventions representing a smaller area. The synthesis revealed three themes: intervention details, theoretical frameworks, and evaluations. These themes highlighted key components and theoretical foundations that informed interventions but also identified implementation challenges with accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with varied needs. The findings underscore the need for diverse, accessible interventions to foster social connectedness for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions. Future research should focus on refining intervention design to improve inclusivity, addressing barriers to enhance participation in both in-person and digital formats.