Living with a person with young onset dementia ‐ spousal experience

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBeing of working age, and simultaneously needing to help a person with young onset dementia has specific consequences for spouses. Research to date has been sparse concerning this specific group of spouses.MethodNine spouses were included and interviewed in the study. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis.ResultThe results showed that the spouses experienced an emotional impact that varied from feelings of loneliness, frustration, and worry, to peace of mind. They expressed that they used coping strategies, which included adopting a positive mindset, adapting to inabilities, adopting an avoidant approach, and finding ways to recharge. Spouses also experienced a call for support from informal as well as formal support.ConclusionThe spouse of a person with young onset dementia goes through a range of emotional experiences and has resourceful ways of handling everyday life. The degree of support is varied which leaves more to be desired from healthcare providers.