Young onset dementia and driving cessation: a scoping review of lived experiences.

BACKGROUND: Driving cessation is one of the most challenging life transitions, associated with multiple negative consequences for individuals living with late-onset dementia. This paper extends the literature as to date there is no published review that details the experiences of people living with young onset dementia ("YOD"). METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using the scoping review methodology. RESULTS: Ten studies were included for full text review of 1634 initially identified through database searching. The results of the included articles indicated areas of concern for people living with YOD and their family members including, loss of independence; role change; threat to self-identify; feelings of isolation, grief; acceptance; predictors of driving cessation. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of robust evidence related to driving cessation and the experiences of people living with YOD. No published paper reported psychosocial interventions specifically targeted at supporting persons with YOD through driving cessation.

Positive Aspects of Dementia Caregiving During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This project investigated experiences of caregivers of people living with dementia during COVID-19. We recorded caregivers' perceptions of care before, during, and moving forward from COVID-19, emphasizing positive experiences, coping strategies, creative care adaptation, strengths demonstrated, and benefits of providing care. METHODS: Allied health professionals conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 informal caregivers of people living with dementia. We categorized and thematically analyzed responses as before, during or moving forward from COVID-19. RESULTS: A range of themes were derived from the data. Pre-pandemic care: (1) focusing on the person living with dementia and (2) working together. During-pandemic care: (1) respecting personhood; (2) connecting with virtues and values; (3) improving relationships; (4) seeking and receiving support; (5) prioritizing self-care; (6) being protective and proactive; (7) making practical changes. Moving forward from COVID-19: (1) strengthening commitment to the person living with dementia, (2) looking after my own needs, and (3) considering practical requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported positive caregiving experiences in all timeframes, focusing more on their own needs and experiences during and moving forward from COVID-19. This research may highlight informal caregivers' challenges and needs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Enforced isolation produced deeper connections for some caregivers. Caregivers benefit from resources facilitating adaptive care.