How do Older People with Dementia Experience Social Exclusion

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

This research is focused on social exclusion of older people suffering from dementia. This study identifies the behaviour changes in older people who are patients of dementia. The research has explored the theory of social exclusions and its relation with older people with dementia. Furthermore, the research includes interview from older people having dementia. The research interprets their views, their feelings and opinions about being socially excluded. Lastly, the research is concluded on the basis of the literature study and interview analysis.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Research Background1

Research Aim and Objectives2

Research Questions2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Dementia3

Types of Dementias4

Alzheimer's disease4

Vascular Dementia5

Lewy Body Dementia5

Geriatric Depression6

Dementia and its Impact on Older People7

Theoretical Framework8

Social Work9

Social Exclusion11

Social Exclusion of Old People in UK14

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY16

Research Method16

Data collection17

Ethical Consideration17

Research Strengths and Weaknesses18

Strengths18

Weaknesses19

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS20

Social Work and Older People suffering from Dementia20

Social Exclusion behaviour in Older Dementia Patients21

NHS (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence)24

Analyses link with Research Questions25

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION26

REFERENCES28

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Research Background

An elderly woman, of around 50 years of age, was brought and admitted to the hospital due to her enormously awkward and unusual behaviour. According to her family, the lady was having some memory problems and had strongly started feeling jealous of everything. They also stated that she has become very much disoriented at home and had started hiding objects. During her medical examination, the woman was not able to remember her husband's name, how she had been in the hospital and even the year. She was able to read but not able to comprehend what she was reading, stressing upon words in an uncommon manner. The doctor also reported her having hallucinations, irrational fears, and agitated behaviour.

This woman, named Auguste D., was the first one to be identified with the disease now commonly known as Alzheimer's disease. After the death of the lady, her brain was kept under examination and doctors observed that it became shrunken and was containing a number of unusual features. It has become known through various researches that Alzheimer's is the main cause of dementia in old people.

An Alzheimer's society survey revealed an increase in social exclusion for the older people suffering from Alzheimer's. According to another reports published by Charity' Dementia, around 61 percent people suffering from dementia, felt lonely majority of the time and 48 percent felt that they were a burden on their family. This survey was based on old people suffering from dementia and how they feel socially excluded. Furthermore, it was also observed that around 61 percent of the ...