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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Dementia | Research

Autonomy and its relevance for the construction of personhood in dementia– a thematic synthesis

Authors: Jonathan Serbser-Koal, Jan Dreyer, Martina Roes

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

This article examines the concept of autonomy in the context of person-centred dementia research and care, which is frequently being used but not clearly defined. Also, there is no clear conceptual relation between autonomy and personhood in this context.

Methods

Therefore, literature on person-centred dementia research and care was examined to answer the following question: How is the concept of autonomy discussed in person-centred dementia research and care literature?

Results

This analysis revealed heterogeneous perspectives on autonomy within the context of dementia. These were assigned to two different perspectives on personhood: one that links personhood to the existing cognitive abilities and the other one, that understands personhood relationally as the result of a socially constructed process. These results are discussed with regard to a nursing and care practice that could be considered as being deficit-oriented, but also with regard to the concept of social health in dementia.

Conclusions

Derived from this analysis, there is a clear need for general conceptual sensitivity in this field. Also, an in-depth examination of the social constructionist approach to personhood in the context of dementia is warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Autonomy and its relevance for the construction of personhood in dementia– a thematic synthesis
Authors
Jonathan Serbser-Koal
Jan Dreyer
Martina Roes
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keywords
Dementia
Dementia
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-04808-6

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