"Sometimes Life Throws You a Curve Ball": The Lived Experiences of an Individual With Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease and His Family.

Abstract

Individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease face many challenges and barriers older adults with late-onset Alzheimer's do not. Unfortunately, information about early-onset Alzheimer's disease is in its infancy stage in comparison with late-onset Alzheimer's. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of a 54-year-old man with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and his family (wife, sister, and mother) to understand the effects on the family unit. Interpretive phenomenology was used to guide this study. All participants completed 2 in-person one-on-one interviews, and a final interview was completed online. Field notes, member checks, and triangulation were used to enhance the study's credibility. This article focuses on the theme "'A big curve ball': Disruption of the life cycle." Participants indicated the major financial and social challenges experienced by Joe and his wife. Furthermore, participants emphasized the importance of acceptance and maintaining a positive attitude to help cope with Joe's diagnosis. The accounts of Joe and his family shed light on an area relatively void in the literature. In addition, Joe's experiences may provide comfort for other families facing early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The implications for community health nurses in assisting individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and their families are discussed.