Exploring the value of hope in dementia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundTo hope is to be human, and it has been examined in diverse disciplinary perspectives across theology, philosophy and anthropology. However, hope is more than an idea. It has the potential to positively impact people across the life course, particularly those living with conditions like dementia. Hope can be meaningfully experienced at the individual, group and community levels through its potent power to build resilience. Despite this significance, there are sizeable gaps in our knowledge of the brain mechanisms underlying hope.MethodWe explore how understanding hope as a neurobiological entity is an exciting prospect. As a possible key to tackling challenges of dementia, it could buoy the ability for patients and their families to cope with the devastation of diagnosis, as well as the sense of doom, anxiety, loss and despair that follows.ResultsThe literature suggests that hope may be situated in the frontal cortex, although more research in this area is needed. With an understanding of the neurobiological basis of hope, interventions focused on instilling hope to improve quality of life are needed urgently.ConclusionIf hope can be harnessed for brain health, both therapeutically and preventatively, it has the potential to be used as a ‘tool’ to improve patient and family experiences with dementia, as well as that of our greater society.