Perception of Self from the Narratives of People with Mild Dementia

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to shed light on the perception of self taken from the narratives of people with mild dementia. Method: The study uses a qualitative inductive research method. The collaborators in this study were 15 people who continued to live in the community after being diagnosed with dementia. Result: Results of the analysis show that perception of self among peoples with dementia includes elements of, “narrowing”, “being controlled by negative emotions”, “detachment”, “intense utilization of knowledge”, and “maintaining continuity”. Conclusion: For individuals with mild dementia perception the sense of self was influenced by cognitive impairment and the aftereffects of their diagnosis, and various interactions with others led the individual to inhabit a narrower, detached world while being controlled by negative emotions. However, they worked hard to live their own life by making full use of their knowing and maintaining continuity. We believe that carefully interpreting the meaning of words and actions based on this finding and developing nursing care will prevent threats to the certainty of self-existence and provide nursing care that will support the vitality of mild dementia people.