IMMEL: assessing coping responses in the early stages of dementia

A sufferer's perspective on ways of coping with the initial and evolving impact of dementia is a largely unexplored area of theory and practice. This article, the first of two parts, outlines the development of a new instrument: the Index for Managing Memory Loss (IMMEL), which considers the early sufferer's response to the experience of dementia and can be used to assist practitioners assess individuals' coping strategies. Some additional avenues for professional intervention are also suggested.