Supporting Continued Employment for Individuals With Young-Onset Dementia: Insights From a Qualitative Study Into Key...

Objectives: Young-onset dementia often impairs work performance and increases the risk of job loss, necessitating support from employers, occupational physicians, and healthcare professionals to facilitate continued employment. This study explores the perspectives and roles of these stakeholders in supporting continued employment regarding young-onset dementia. Methods: 18 semi-structured interviews were organized to explore the different perspectives. Two focus group discussions were held to complement and rank the insights gathered from the individual interviews. Inductive thematic content analysis was applied to both sets of data. Results: Key stakeholders play a vital role in shaping support for continued employment of individuals with young-onset dementia. Findings emphasize the importance of knowledge, communication, and collaboration. Facilitators include young-onset dementia awareness, proactive organizational support, and timely professional involvement, while barriers stem from stigma, knowledge gaps, and legal constraints. Enhancing collaboration, workplace guidelines, and awareness can improve support for employees. Conclusion: Continued employment for individuals with young-onset dementia is achievable, if desired, through early recognition, workplace adjustments, and collaboration with key stakeholders. Success depends on raising awareness, fostering proactive organizational attitudes, and promoting open communication. Further research and the development of support tools are essential to support continued employment and improve the social health of individuals with young-onset dementia.