title: A phenomenological study of living with a partner affected with dementia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Caring for people affected by dementia is a collective effort that involves public health, primary care, and informal care. The third mainly comprises the efforts of spouses.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to describe spouses' experiences of living with a partner affected with dementia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study has a descriptive phenomenological approach based on a reflective life-world perspective. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted with spouses of persons affected with dementia. The interviews were audiotaped and analysed using the procedures described by Giorgi (2009) .
  
  
  RESULTS
  The essence of living with a partner affected by dementia formed a comprehensive theme: from togetherness to loneliness, which along with three descriptive categories-changes in their partner's behaviour, changes in everyday life, and a changed future-describes the phenomenon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The theme 'From togetherness to loneliness' reflects the spouses' descriptions of their life-world. Daily life changed gradually in line with their partners' personality, and their role became that of a care provider rather than a spouse. Information and knowledge about dementia should be provided at an early stage. Health care has a major responsibility to meet their needs, thus ensuring that all parties are satisfied.
authors.affiliation: Registered Nurse, Department for Home Care, The Community of Tanum, Tanumshede.
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Registered Nurse, Department for Home Care, The Community of Lysekil, Lysekil.
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mc Cullough
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ingela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Berggren
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden
keywords: Sweden; dementia; family caregiver; loneliness; spouse