Transitions: Experiences of younger persons recently diagnosed with Alzheimer-type dementia.

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia before the age of 65 has a huge impact on everyday life. Previously, the disease trajectory has mainly been described from the perspective of older persons. However, young persons with dementia are confronted with specific challenges, influencing the type of life-changing events, or 'critical points' that they may experience. The aim of this study was therefore to describe experiences of persons recently being diagnosed with young-onset dementia. In total, 14 participants with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (10 woman/4 men) with an average age of 59 were included in the study. Interviews were conducted within 2 months after receiving the diagnosis and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach, resulting in three categories: (1) A life changing moment, (2) An ongoing process, and (3) Remaining in control. The findings show that receiving such a diagnosis was experienced by participants as a life changing moment, followed by them seeking to come to terms with the diagnosis and reflecting on its meaning, in which various strategies were adopted to remain in control. The current study highlights three critical points considering the diagnosis of young-onset dementia that warrant special attention and provides insight into factors related to delay in healthy transitioning after receiving the diagnosis, as well as factors that may facilitate successful transitions.

Soft tissue massage: early intervention for relatives whose family members died in palliative cancer care.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This paper explores how bereaved relatives experienced soft tissue massage during the first four months after the death of a family member who was in palliative cancer care. BACKGROUND: Death of a close family member or friend is recognised as being an emotional and existential turning point in life. Previous studies emphasise need for various support strategies to assist relatives while they are grieving. DESIGN: Qualitative design. METHOD: Eighteen bereaved relatives (11 women and seven men) received soft tissue massage (25 minutes, hand or foot) once a week for eight weeks. In-depth interviews were conducted after the end of the eight-week periods. Interviews were analysed using a qualitative descriptive content analysis method. RESULTS: Soft tissue massage proved to be helpful and to generate feelings of consolation in the first four months of grieving. The main findings were organised into four categories: (1) a helping hand at the right time, (2) something to rely on, (3) moments of rest and (4) moments of retaining energy. The categories were then conceptualised into this theme: feelings of consolation and help in learning to restructure everyday life. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue massage was experienced as a commendable source of consolation support during the grieving process. An assumption is that massage facilitates a transition toward rebuilding identity, but more studies in this area are needed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Soft tissue massage appears to be a worthy, early, grieving-process support option for bereaved family members whose relatives are in palliative care.