| 210 cited in relation to the risk of developing dementia and having a poor social network was associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing serious adverse events (76-78). Drawing from the literature on social support across the lifespan, support from friends specifically may influence wellbeing when facing negative life events such as receiving a dementia diagnosis (79). In addition, social support could function as a buffer against reactions toward external stressful life events (80). Despite its importance, social networks in dementia are known to decline for people with dementia and informal caregivers (81). People with dementia are more likely to experience a decline in their social networks as they may lose their ability to reach out to others or withdraw from social activities (82). At the same time, people with dementia report the withdrawal of friends and family members, as we described in Chapter 6. People with dementia and informal caregivers demonstrate resilience as they adapt the way they maintain friendships (83). In addition, many initiatives have been developed to support social engagement in dementia (84-86). Specifically, peer support groups and Alzheimer Cafés can be beneficial for informal caregivers (87). A broad social network also has the advantage that potential caregiving tasks can be shared with multiple people. This can potentially reduce informal caregiver burden as increased levels of satisfaction with social support are associated with greater positive attitudes toward caregiving (88). Yet informal caregivers often find it challenging to ask for help from their social network whilst the social network may lack insight into the need for social support or expect to be asked for help (89). To briefly summarize, the social network can be an important source of support that enables people with dementia and informal caregivers to live well with dementia. Informal support strategies are important in fostering social engagement and broad social networks can distribute caregiving tasks. Methodological considerations The added value of utilizing different research methods and integrating different perspectives This thesis utilized a mixed methods approach that combined several research methods; quantitative data was collected through surveys, qualitative data was collected through interviews and focus groups, a literature review was undertaken, and a qualitative method was developed. Integrating
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