Resan genom Alzheimers sjukdom

: ur anhörigas perspektiv

Abstract

Background: Dementia is one of Sweden's most common diseases, and there are today currently about 150 000 people suffering of some form of dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common form. The disease results in cognitive impairment that gradually deteriorate during the course of the disease and be more demanding for their family. Aim: To describe the experience of being a relative of a person with Alzheimer's disease. Method: The study was performed as a literature study in which 15 qualitative articles were reviewed and analyzed. Result: The results revealed that relatives experienced a variety of emotions during the disease process, which could vary depending on the relationship they had for the ill familymember. The feelings were both positive and negative, with the dominance of the negative experience. Relatives perceived among other things uncertainty, grief, changing roles, guilt and longing for the past life. Conclusion: Since nurses often are a natural interlocutor, it´s important that they recognizes relative's experiences and through this understanding, they can support relatives to experience the situation as meaningful. This study is meant to highlight the family's experiences and awareness that both the ill family member and his or her relative is in need of kindness and support.