title: Hope in early-stage dementia: a concept analysis.
abstract: Hope is central to the adjustment process in early-stage dementia when trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and developing cognitive, social, and behavioral strategies to improve confidence. Maintaining hope, helping others, and living within a supportive social network can positively influence adaptation to daily living and to the preservation of self-concept. Utilizing Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis, the literature was examined to explore hope in early-stage dementia and to identify the dynamics and components of the hope experience. Gaining an understanding of the concept of hope in early-stage dementia will aid nurses and other healthcare professionals to help people with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers find ways of maintaining hope and strengthening a sense of self.
authors.affiliation: Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions and University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. cottervt@nursing.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Valerie T
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Cotter
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support