1. Modeling The Evolution of Intimacy in Alzheimer's Disease: The Patient Perspective
Puentes, W.J.,1 Halpin, S.N.2 , Dillard, R.3
1University of North Carolina at Pembroke Department of Nursing 2Veterans Affairs Medical Center GRECC, Atlanta, 3Emory University Center for Health and Aging
Introduction
The emotional intimacy associated with a spousal relationship is an important resource for managing the challenges associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This aspect of intimacy has been largely ignored. Here, we present preliminary findings of a study which seeks to explain the dynamics of spousal intimacy in AD.
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusions
When viewed within a Transactional Analysis framework, pre-morbid relationship patterns appear to be predictive of the erosion, maintenance or improvement of emotional intimacy within spousal dyads experiencing AD. Exteropsyche (Parent/Parent) couples tended to function in parallel in the premorbid state and experienced significant conflict/decreased intimacy as AD progressed. Neopsychic (Adult/Adult) and Archaeopsychic (Parent/Child) couples tended to maintain their pre-morbid relationship patterns with maintenance or increase in emotional intimacy.
Introduction and Methods
Results
Pre-Alzheimer’s Disease Relationship Pattern
Adult/Adult
Parent/Parent
Parent/Child
Methods
Participants
Seventeen patient/care-partner dyads
Mean age = 73; Range = 59-94
53% female
76% white
Recruited from Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and community
Interviews
One-hour, semi-structured interviews
In participant’s home or in clinic setting
Interviews focused on emotional triggers and Alzheimer’s disease
Qualitative Coding
Grounded Theory Framework
Interdisciplinary coding team:
Geropsychiatric Nurse
Gerontologist
Political Scientist
Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Implications
Recognition of stressors on the spousal (and usually the primary) caregiving relationship provides formal caregivers with information needed to develop an appropriate support plan for the spousal dyad experiencing Alzheimer’s disease.
Parent/Parent
Adult/Adult
Parent/Child
Late Alzheimer’s Disease
Acknowledgements
This project was supported by the Atlanta Regional Geriatric Education Center – Alzheimer’s Disease Training Supplement, Health Resources and Services Administration Award #UB4HP19125
“Intimacy is the quality of a relationship in which the individuals must have reciprocal feelings of trust and emotional closeness toward each other and are able to openly communicate thoughts and feelings to each other.” (Timmerman, 1991)
Reference: Timmerman, G.M. (1991). A concept analysis of intimacy. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 12(1),