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Trajectories of socio-emotional functioning in early-stage dementia: implications for the individual with dementia and their family carer

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Laura GambleORCiD

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Abstract

© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Background and objectives: Changes in socio-emotional functioning in people living with dementia (PLWD) are common; however, little is known about the broader effects these may have on wellbeing. This study examined socio-emotional functioning over time and associations with the wellbeing of PLWD and their family carers. Method: One hundred and one individuals with a diagnosis of dementia and their respective carers completed the Social Emotional Questionnaire (assessing emotion recognition, empathy, social relationships and social behaviour) alongside measures of dementia severity, cognition, mood, stress, and relationship quality. Sixty-six dyads were reassessed on the same measures at 12 months post-baseline, and 51 dyads again at 20 months post-baseline. Results: When rated by the PLWD, there was no change in socio-emotional functioning over time; however, carers reported a significant decline over time. For both carers and the PLWD, poorer wellbeing measures were indicative of worse socio-emotional functioning at Time 1, though only dementia type, quality of life and relationship quality impacted upon the trajectory of socio-emotional decline over time. Conclusions: Changes in social and emotional functioning are evident early in the course of dementia and worsen within 20 months. Both carer characteristics and those of the PWLD affected reporting of social and emotional functioning. These data are useful for guiding the provision of appropriate education and care.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Kelly M, Nelis S, Martyr A, Gamble LD, Clare L

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Aging and Mental Health

Year: 2021

Volume: 26

Issue: 5

Pages: 1069-1077

Online publication date: 08/03/2021

Acceptance date: 18/02/2021

ISSN (print): 1360-7863

ISSN (electronic): 1364-6915

Publisher: Routledge

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.1895069

DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1895069


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