Abstract
BACKGROUND: Differentiating dementia from baseline level of functioning is difficult among people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities. Moreover, studies on observable dementia symptoms are scarce. This study examined (a) the relevance of dementia diagnosis, (b) observable symptoms and (c) training/information needs.
METHODS: Four explorative focus groups were held with care professionals and family members who have experience with people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (≥40 years) and decline/dementia.
RESULTS: Thematic analysis showed that participants wanted to know about a dementia diagnosis for a better understanding and to be able to make informed choices (question 1). Using a categorisation matrix, cognitive and behavioural changes were shown to be most prominent (question 2). Participants indicated that they needed enhanced training, more knowledge development and translation, and supportive organisational choices/policies (question 3).
CONCLUSIONS: Timely identifying/diagnosing dementia allows for a timely response to changing needs. This requires a better understanding of symptoms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1602-1617 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Early online date | 2 Jul 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2021 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 03 Good Health and Well-being
Keywords
- dementia
- down syndrome
- focus groups
- intellectual disabilities
Research Focus Areas Hanze University of Applied Sciences * (mandatory by Hanze)
- Healthy Ageing
Research Focus Areas Research Centre or Centre of Expertise * (mandatory by Hanze)
- Frailty and adequate care
Publinova themes
- Other
- Health
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