Centre for Policy on Ageing



Insider's perspective — defining and preserving the self of dementia
Author(s)	Phyllis Braudy Harris, Gloria J Sterin
Journal title	Journal of Mental Health and Aging, vol 5, no 3, Fall 1999
Pages	pp 241-256
Keywords	Dementia ; Personality ; Social surveys ; Professional workers.
Annotation	Dementia care research is now moving beyond the biomedicalisation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to recognise and value the subjective experiences of those with dementia. Data from in-depth interviews with 17 Americans diagnosed with early stage AD and their caregivers were used to examine the concept of self and personal identity in early AD. This study asked three questions: What happens to the self? How is it defined? What affects it? Revealed was that the self was in a state of flux, influenced by losses of significant roles, respect, autonomy, self-worth, and competency. The authors propose a typology of different reactions and approaches individuals use to preserve their sense of self. Interviews also generated three core values that helped define personal identity: meaningful productivity, autonomy, and a need for comfort and security. In addition, social psychological interactions were examined that affirmed or devalued the defined sense of self. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-991022221 A
Classmark	EA: DK: 3F: T7
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.