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Living with dementia with Lewy bodies: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Victoria Larsson1, Axel Holmbom-Larsen1, Gustav Torisson2
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
Objective:
To explore the subjective experience of living with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
Design:
A qualitative study of in-depth interviews using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Setting:
A memory clinic in Malmö, southern Sweden.
Participants:
A purposive sample of five male participants with DLB between the ages of 78 and 88 years and disease duration of 1.5-7 years.
Results:
Three themes were identified in relation to the participants' experiences of living with DLB: (1) disease impact, in terms of symptom experience and restricted participation and activities; (2) self-perception and coping strategies; (3) importance of others, such as healthcare, family and friends.
Conclusions:
This study provides a broad insight into the first-hand experience of living with DLB and how it compares with other dementia types. Findings highlight factors characterising the disease experience and well-being, and how persons with DLB address challenges arising secondary to disease. These findings are important for both research and clinical practice, demonstrating the feasibility of direct involvement of DLB persons in identifying important aspects of care, which include improved healthcare services.
Insights
Living with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) involves significant disease impact, self-perception challenges, and reliance on social support. Understanding these subjective experiences is crucial for improving care for individuals with DLB.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Qualitative Health Research
Background:
- Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Subjective experiences of individuals with DLB are not fully understood.
- Understanding lived experiences is vital for patient-centered care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the subjective lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
- To gain insight into the challenges and coping mechanisms associated with DLB.
- To inform clinical practice and research regarding DLB care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing in-depth interviews.
- Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilized.
- Study conducted in a memory clinic setting with five male participants aged 78-88 years.
Main Results:
- Three key themes emerged: disease impact (symptoms, restricted activities), self-perception and coping, and the importance of social support (healthcare, family, friends).
- Participants reported challenges related to symptom experience and limitations in daily activities.
- Self-perception and the role of social connections were significant factors in managing DLB.
Conclusions:
- The study offers valuable first-hand insights into living with DLB, comparing it to other dementia types.
- Findings highlight critical factors influencing well-being and disease management in DLB.
- Direct involvement of individuals with DLB in care planning can lead to improved healthcare services.
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