Is wisdom a predictor of quality of life in people with experience of dementia?

BACKGROUND

Wisdom has been linked to greater well-being in older adults, but its relationship with quality of life in people with dementia remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between wisdom and quality of life for people with dementia and other groups with dementia experience.

METHODS

This cross-sectional online survey was conducted via the Join Dementia Research (JDR) platform, United Kingdom, with 3144 adults registered on the platform. Wisdom was measured using the 12-item Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS-12) and quality of life using the Control, Autonomy, Self-realization, and Pleasure scale (CASP-12). Demographic information and type of dementia experience were also recorded. Data were analyzed using correlations, t-tests, ANOVAs, and linear regressions.

RESULTS

Wisdom was positively associated with quality of life, with reflective wisdom showing the highest correlation. Being female and older were each associated with higher wisdom scores. Family carers scored significantly higher on the 3D-WS-12 than people with dementia, and affective wisdom was most strongly associated with type of experience of dementia (for example as a person with dementia or as a carer).

DISCUSSION: The link between wisdom and quality of life in people suggests the possibility of practical implications for interventions that promote self-awareness and perspective-taking in dementia care. Cognitive and physical challenges of dementia may hinder the expression of wisdom. Longitudinal research is needed to examine how wisdom and quality of life change across the progression of dementia.