Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Confronting the Existential Threat of Dementia: An Exploration into Emotional Regulation

Cheston, Richard; Christopher, Gary

Authors

Profile Image

Gary Christopher Gary.Christopher@uwe.ac.uk
Occasional Associate Lecturer - CHSS - AHP



Abstract

This book explores how dementia acts as an existential threat, both to people diagnosed with the condition, and to their carers. The authors highlight how dementia not only gradually erodes our most fundamental abilities, but that it does so at a time of life when the resources of individuals, couples, and families are already stretched. While over time many people who are living with dementia are able to adapt to their diagnosis and acknowledge its impact on them, for many others it remains too threatening and painful to do this. The book draws on examples from clinical practice and experimental studies to argue that a range of responses, such as searching for long-dead parents or clinging to previous identities, all represent ways in which people living with dementia attempt to protect themselves against the emotional impact of the condition. Finally, the authors set out new ways of intervening to boost psychological resources and thereby support people in facing the existential threat of dementia.

Citation

Cheston, R., & Christopher, G. (2019). Confronting the Existential Threat of Dementia: An Exploration into Emotional Regulation. London: Palgrave-MacMillan

Book Type Authored Book
Publication Date Jun 21, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
ISBN 9783030123499
Keywords dementia, alzheimer's disease, threat, emotion
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/846091
Publisher URL https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030123499