Hi Everyone,
It has been suggested that the social and psychological context of younger people with dementia is different to that of older people. Younger people are more likely to be working, thus the loss of pension rights may place considerable strain upon the family. The loss of a driving license may also mean loss of independence and possible social isolation may lead to feelings of low self-esteem and depression. All these things may affect children. Family conflict is also often identified by carers as a possible side effect of dementia. Some carers have stated that their children had suffered psychological or emotional problems as a consequence of the dementia. Parents have reported that their children may have suffered emotional problems, problems at school and conflict with the person with Younger Onset Dementia, especially when the affected parent was their father.
I am training to be a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Birmingham and as part of my doctorate I am investigating young people’s thoughts regarding their parent’s Younger Onset Dementia, and the impact that this may have on their relationship. Perhaps in the future understanding the healthcare, psychological and emotional needs of children, will help to build services in the future based on the needs of families.
I wondered if any other trainees/students have an interest in this area and would like to discuss the pros and cons of the project. Obviously it is an extreemely sensitive area and the ethical issues have been thought about very carefully.
I would be really interested in your views
It has been suggested that the social and psychological context of younger people with dementia is different to that of older people. Younger people are more likely to be working, thus the loss of pension rights may place considerable strain upon the family. The loss of a driving license may also mean loss of independence and possible social isolation may lead to feelings of low self-esteem and depression. All these things may affect children. Family conflict is also often identified by carers as a possible side effect of dementia. Some carers have stated that their children had suffered psychological or emotional problems as a consequence of the dementia. Parents have reported that their children may have suffered emotional problems, problems at school and conflict with the person with Younger Onset Dementia, especially when the affected parent was their father.
I am training to be a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Birmingham and as part of my doctorate I am investigating young people’s thoughts regarding their parent’s Younger Onset Dementia, and the impact that this may have on their relationship. Perhaps in the future understanding the healthcare, psychological and emotional needs of children, will help to build services in the future based on the needs of families.
I wondered if any other trainees/students have an interest in this area and would like to discuss the pros and cons of the project. Obviously it is an extreemely sensitive area and the ethical issues have been thought about very carefully.
I would be really interested in your views