Striving for connection

Abstract

A number of models have been proposed to describe the processes of appraisal and coping in early-stage dementia, but possible gender differences remain to be explored. The present study focused specifically on women with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and examined how they made sense of, and attempted to cope with, their situation. Transcripts of interviews with nine women were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Ten key themes were identified, which were grouped into three higher-order themes: connectedness, protective strategies and adjustment. The women experienced memory problems as a threat to the sense of connectedness they derived from attachment to family and friends, affiliation with social roles and familiarity with their surroundings. A Level of Connectedness Model of the appraisal and coping processes of women with early-stage Alzheimer's disease is presented, which places coping in an interpersonal framework, whereby a woman's ability to maintain a sense of self is inherently dependent on the readiness of others to facilitate connectedness. This provides a focus for possible further development of psychosocial interventions that consider well-being in an interpersonal context.