What happens when people develop dementia whilst working? An exploratory multiple case study

Nygård, L., Nedlund, A.-C., Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen, A., Astell, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6822-9472, Boger, J., Issakainen, M., Engvall, A.-L., Heuchemer, B., Rosenberg, L. and Ryd, C. (2023) What happens when people develop dementia whilst working? An exploratory multiple case study. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Health and Well-being, 18 (1). 2176278. ISSN 1748-2631 doi: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2176278

Abstract/Summary

Purpose: This study is an in-depth exploration of the unfolding experiences of five persons who developed dementia while still in paid work/employment, and of their significant others. Namely, we explore how they experienced the actions and decisions taken with respect to work, and what the consequences meant to them. Methods: A qualitative longitudinal case study design with multiple cases was used, including five participants with dementia and significant others of their choice. Interviews were undertaken longitudinally and analyzed with the Formal Data-Structure Analysis approach. Results: The joint analysis resulted in two intertwined themes: 1) The significance and consequences of a dementia diagnosis: a double-edged trigger, and 2) Sensemaking and agency. The prevalent images of what dementia is, who can/cannot get it and what it will bring, were revealed as the critical aspects. Having the opportunity to make sense of what has happened and participate in decision-making, contributed decisively to the participants’ experiences. Conclusions: Findings illustrate how a dementia diagnosis is alien in work-life, but once diagnosed, it may trigger self-fulfilling expectations based upon stereotypical understanding of dementia. A shift is needed from a deficit-focused perspective, to viewing people with dementia as citizens capable of agency.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/110342
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/17482631.2023.2176278
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Ageing
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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