Yemm, Heather, Peel, E. and Brooker, Dawn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8636-5147
(2023)
“I guess you can interpret it in a number of ways like kind of a milder or the mildest form of dementia?”: Multi-stakeholder perceptions of cognitive impairment.
Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 22 (8).
pp. 1799-1818.
ISSN 1417-3012 Online: 1741-2684
|
Text
yemm.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Introduction
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has a high prevalence and is a risk factor for dementia. Furthering understanding of MCI has been identified as a public health priority. This research aimed to explore views about the causes of cognitive impairment and identify associations between cognitive impairment, dementia, and normative ageing.
Method
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 participants with different stakeholder perspectives on the area of MCI in England, and analysed thematically.
Results
Our analysis focuses on two main themes: 1) causes of cognitive impairment, and 2) ageing, dementia, and dying. Most participants viewed cognitive impairment as a transitional state between normative ageing and dementia. Participants expressed their fear of cognitive impairment and dementia, and made clear links between cognitive impairment and dying. Participants also showed an awareness of the links between lifestyle factors and cognitive health. However, linkage between lifestyle and cognition was discussed only when explicitly asked, suggesting that this was not especially salient for participants when considering the causes and risk factors for cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
The results of this study highlight key areas for future public health initiatives, such as a focus on the multitude of benefits offered by adopting a healthy diet and physical exercise in reducing risk of cognitive impairment.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Additional Information: | Staff and students at the University of Worcester have access to the full text of the published version via the UW online Library Search. External users should check availability with their local library or Interlibrary Requests Service. |
Uncontrolled Discrete Keywords: | ageing, cognitive impairment, dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), perceptions, perspectives |
Divisions: | College of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences > School of Allied Health and Community |
Related URLs: | |
Copyright Info: | © The Author(s) 2023 |
Depositing User: | Heather Yemm |
Date Deposited: | 28 Feb 2024 09:52 |
Last Modified: | 05 Apr 2024 14:55 |
URI: | https://eprints.worc.ac.uk/id/eprint/13601 |
Actions (login required)
![]() |
View Item |