軽度認知障害または認知症と診断された高齢者の体験

Experiences of Elderly Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia

要旨

　目的：軽度認知障害または認知症と診断された高齢者の体験を明らかにする．

　方法：軽度認知障害または認知症と診断された高齢者9名に面接を実施し，質的記述的研究方法により分析した．

　結果：当事者は，【認知症とみられることへの不満と怒り】【変化する自分への不安と恐怖】【自尊心の喪失】など〈ネガティブな体験〉をしていた．ネガティブな体験に対して【自分の強みに着目】【気持ちの切り替え】【医療者に思いを表出】などの対処を行い，【今の生活への満足感】【家族の支えによる安心感】などの〈ポジティブな体験〉につなげ，その体験と向き合うことをしていた．さらに【今の生活の維持】ができることを望んでいた．

　結論：当事者は，ネガティブとポジティブの両側面を体験しており，それらの体験には自分自身の強みや気持ちの切り替えなどが影響していた．また，ポジティブな体験は当事者が肯定的に自己を捉える機会となることが示唆された．

　Purpose: To explore the lived experiences of elderly individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

　Method: Qualitative descriptive analysis was applied to interviews conducted with nine elderly individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

　Results: Participants reported negative experiences, including dissatisfaction and anger over perceived dementia-related stigma, anxiety and fear about changes in self, loss of self-esteem, and frustration caused by the shrinking of their social networks. Coping strategies for these negative experiences included focusing on personal strengths, emotional adaptation, and confiding in medical professionals. Conversely, positive experiences encompassed satisfaction with current life, a sense of security from family support. Future aspirations focused on maintaining their current lifestyles.

　Conclusion: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia experience both positive and negative experiences, which are influenced by their coping mechanisms and focus on personal strengths. Furthermore, the findings suggested that positive experiences can provide opportunities for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia to develop a more positive self-image.