title: Couple meaning-making and dementia: challenges to the deficit model.
abstract: By combining a relationship- and strengths-based approach, the article suggests that, with the onset of progressive cognitive impairment, verbal, nonverbal, and embodied exchanges can function as meaning-making processes for life-partner co-carers. These exchanges can sustain a sense of relatedness, which has been shown to increase wellbeing. The article identifies gaps in knowledge and practice limitations that result from the deficit approach to dementia research and care that currently dominates the field. Suggestions for future research and the development of interventions are included. In addition, the article challenges theoretical assumptions about meaning-making, arguing for a reexamination of dementia-affected couplehood processes.
authors.affiliation: Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA. justine.mcgovern@nyu.edu
authors.forename: Justine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McGovern
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D057766:Policy; D011788:Quality of Life; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*