Young Onset Dementia: Exploring Hope and Online Support

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts:Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewThis systematic review explored the experiences of online support for people with young-onset dementia and their family carers. A systematic search of the current literature was conducted and twelve studies were appropriate that met the inclusion criteria. A thematic synthesis was used to analyse the experiences of online support. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Quality Appraisal tool (2012) was used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the included studies. Key findings included strengths of the online format; provided space for participants to build social connections with peers, fostering their well-being and overcame in-person barriers. Two key difficulties were technological barriers and a preference for in-person support. Clinical implications were explored and directions for future research were identified.Part Two: Empirical PaperThe empirical study explored the meanings and lived experiences of hope with people with young-onset dementia. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. There were five participants who engaged in semi-structured interviews. Three key themes were derived from the data: hope as a journey, which encompasses positive and negative experiences, active cognitive processes which support hope, such as acceptance, and that hope was a motivating force which supported individuals with young-onset dementia to live well. Participants identified that engagement in valued activities and social support maintained their hope. The clinical implications and directions for future research were discussed.Part Three comprises the AppendicesThe appendices include relevant supporting documentation for the systematic literature review and empirical study. In the appendices, a reflective and epistemological statement is included which applies to the systematic literature review and the empirical study.