Assistance in Maintaining a Positive Self-image in People with Dementia

Abstract

Dementia is a disrupting disease, most of all for those suffering from it. In essence, the disease increasingly dismantles the patient as an autonomously acting and thinking person. People with dementia continue being aware of their deterioration to varying degrees during the course of their disease. Feelings of loss of control, uncertainty, fear and grief are experienced, permanently threatening their well-being. In these difficult circumstances, maintaining a positive self-image can contribute to an optimal quality of life. Up until now little research has been done on the effectiveness of interventions that could contribute to maintaining a positive self-image. The authors will systematically discuss a number of possible interventions by means of real-life case histories. They will make recommendations for further research.

Keywords

• Dementia
• Self-image
• Quality of Life
• Intervention
• Rehabilitation