Lived experiences of maintaining self-identity among persons living with young-onset dementia: A qualitative meta-synthesis.
The self-identity of persons with young-onset dementia (YOD) is affected by the disease progression. However, the lived experience of maintaining self-identity along the disease trajectory is understudied. This meta-synthesis integrated qualitative data on the challenges, coping strategies, and needs of persons living with YOD and how their experiences affected their self-identity over time.Four English (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO) and two Chinese (CNKI and Wanfang) electronic databases were searched for published literature peer-reviewed from the time of database inception to 2022. We used thematic analysis to extract and synthesize data from the literature concerning the long-term lived experiences of persons living with YOD.A total of five peer-reviewed publications were eligible for inclusion in this meta-synthesis study. We identified four themes: (1) declining cognitive function and a prolonged diagnostic process threaten the self-identity of persons living with YOD, (2) struggling to accept the diagnosis of YOD and maintain self-identity, (3) maintaining self-identity and the normalcy of life through social support and person-centered care, and (4) living with YOD through self-development and self-identity reshaping at a later stage of the disease.Persons living with YOD experience challenges maintaining their self-identity throughout the disease trajectory. These challenges are affected by their cognitive function, experiences of personal and social stigma associated with the disease, perceived social support, and person-centered care. Study findings have implications for developing tailored supportive programs for persons living with YOD at various stages of the disease trajectory.
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Related Subject Headings
- Social Support
- Humans
- Geriatrics
- Dementia
- Cognition
- Age of Onset
- Adaptation, Psychological
- 4205 Nursing
- 4203 Health services and systems
- 1702 Cognitive Sciences
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Social Support
- Humans
- Geriatrics
- Dementia
- Cognition
- Age of Onset
- Adaptation, Psychological
- 4205 Nursing
- 4203 Health services and systems
- 1702 Cognitive Sciences