Understanding the impact of dementia on spousal relationships: A qualitative study with female spousal carers of people living with dementia.

ABSTRACT: Background: Dementia does not merely affect individuals, the carer and the person living with dementia, but also has a profound impact on their spousal relationship. As such, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how dementia affects spousal relationships with a focus on interpersonal (i.e. relationship adjustment, communication engagement and emotional connection between two individuals) and intrapersonal (i.e. loss of self within the context of relationships) dynamics using a qualitative approach. The study also explored how carers adapt to such relationship challenges in the context of dementia care.Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to capture the subjective experiences of female spousal carers, who regularly support their partner living with demen

SUBMITTER: Van Hout E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11667960 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature