Experiences of influencing one’s own life when living with working age dementia

Issakainen, M., Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen, A., Heimonen, S., Nedlund, A.-C., Astell, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6822-9472, Boger, J., Rissanen, S. and Nygård, L. (2023) Experiences of influencing one’s own life when living with working age dementia. Ageing & Society, 43 (8). pp. 1934-1953. ISSN 0144-686X doi: 10.1017/S0144686X21001525

Abstract/Summary

Having opportunities to make decisions and choices regarding one’s life is crucial when living with dementia. This interdisciplinary study draws on the concept of relational autonomy to explore how working age people living with dementia seek to influence their lives, and what makes it easier or more difficult for them in their everyday life. The data consist of three focus group discussions conducted with 12 retired adults who developed dementia while still employed. The results illuminate various resources that enable a person to 1) handle their difficulties at work and their consequences with dignity, 2) manage everyday tasks and live a fulfilling life, and 3) fight the stigma associated with (working age) dementia. Challenges related to these aspects reported by the participants reveal gaps and obstacles that impede the full realisation of the rights of people living with early onset dementia. This research highlights the need for workplace education for different stakeholders, equal and ongoing access to guidance and counselling for younger people who live with dementia, and an effort by society as a whole to eradicate stigma.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/100343
Identification Number/DOI	10.1017/S0144686X21001525
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Ageing Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
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