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The diary of a nonagenarian‐centenarian woman with dementia: Memory loss, life changes, and community care in Japan
Author(s) -
Suwa Sayuri,
Otani Saori,
Tsujimura Mayuko,
Nogawa Kotoko,
Shiya Yoko
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12655
Subject(s) - dementia , timeline , centenarian , medicine , psychology , gerontology , nursing , history , disease , longevity , archaeology , pathology
Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and thoughts of a nonagenarian‐centenarian woman with dementia living alone, through detailed analysis of her unsolicited diary. Data Source: After receiving consent from Aki (a pseudonym), her family and caregivers, copies of her diaries, hand‐written in Japanese, were provided for analysis. Methods: The content of the diaries was broadly organized into themes and qualitative content analysis carried out for each theme along a sequential timeline. Changes in perspective, expression, quality of script, and frequency of notations were noted over time are compared with clinical assessments of dementia and activities of daily living recorded by health care providers. Demographic history was obtained from family members. Results: On recommendation by her nursing care manager, Aki began keeping a diary. By age 99, Aki was widowed and noted: “I'm lonely by myself.” but still expressed hope: “I won't give up on myself.” Concerning memory loss, she wrote: “I've already forgotten what happened this afternoon,” and “I'll do things for myself.” Regarding dependence, she said: “I get help from my children and others outside the family.” And commented on the home care staff: “I don't know if they've come to help.” “Is it someone I know well?” Although she thought that they took her belongings, she wrote: “I'll try not to forget to be grateful to them.” Discussion: The diaries show that even as the dementia progressed, Aki was aware of her cognitive decline compounded by family losses. She used the diary as a coping method and to address relationships with family and caregivers.