Perceived Quality of Life in Adults with Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability and Early-Stage Dementia in Chile

Increased life expectancy among people with intellectual disability has led to a growing prevalence of dementia, highlighting the need to understand how quality of life is experienced during its early stages. This qualitative study explored perceived quality of life among adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability and mild dementia residing in long-term care facilities in Chile. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 86 individuals, using accessible communication strategies and visual supports. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, informed by Schalock and Verdugo's quality of life framework. Five interrelated themes described how quality of life was experienced through the organization of activities and environments, emotional and physical experiences, relationships and participation, involvement in decision-making and support, and perceived changes over time. Quality of life in early-stage dementia was articulated through concrete experiences of participation, relationships, and support, underscoring the importance of everyday contexts as key sites where well-being is experienced and sustained.