Illness Experiences of People with Young-onset Dementia
10.12934/jkpmhn.2023.32.1.67
- Author:
Suyoun AHN
1
;
Yeojin YI
Author Information
1. Ph.D., RN. Department of Nursing, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
2023;32(1):67-77
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the illness experiences of people with young-onset dementia who live in a community.
Methods:Six community-dwelling patients with young-onset dementia, aged 65 or under, were recruited. Data were collected from August 2019 to July 2020 and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.
Results:The data were classified into five themes and eleven sub-themes. The following themes emerged: 1) Anguish enough to want to die from dementia symptoms that hit the prime of one's life; 2) Being thrown from middle age to old age; 3) Becoming a burden due to changing roles within the family; 4) Experiencing difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment process due to onset before old age; and 5) Living with young-onset dementia in one's own life.
Conclusion:The findings suggest that people with young-onset dementia have unique experiences associated with middle age Korean traits. Therefore, based on their illness experiences, effective psychosocial nursing interventions tailored to their age should be developed.
