PhD Defence Maud Simone Hevink

Keywords: Dementia, Informal care, Healthcare providers
 

"Moving Forward with Dementia: An Exploration of Dementia Diagnosis and Post-diagnostic Support"

Dementia can lead to memory loss and behavioural changes, among other things, with far-reaching consequences for patients and their loved ones (informal carers). This thesis shows that the need for support is great. People with dementia focus mainly on the here and now, while informal carers are preoccupied with the future and the care that will be needed. Access to care and support is often inadequate, leading to unnecessary burden on informal carers. Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting people with dementia. When they both diagnose and provide the necessary support, the transition to care is much smoother. The thesis also contributed to the development of Forward with Dementia, a website for people with dementia as well as their informal carers with accessible information and practical help. 

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