Health promotion in early-stage dementia – user experiences from an educative intervention

Educating and supporting people with early-stage dementia has gained increased focus worldwide as a response to an aging population and limited advancements in the medical treatment of the condition. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of people with early-stage dementia who were provided with support and information through a 12-week health promotion course and identify elements of the intervention potentially contributing to coping and adjustment to the condition. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 32 people with dementia after they had attended the course. For each participant, a care partner was also interviewed. The data were analyzed using systematic text condensation. Three main categories emerged from the analysis. These were: (I) bridging the post-diagnostic information gap, (II) facilitating health behavior changes, and (III) new perspectives on living with the condition. The results demonstrated that the intervention was well-received by the participants. Learning about dementia, meeting others in the same situation, and focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle was particularly highlighted, as was promoting family communication.