title: The Experience of Relations in Persons with Dementia: A Systematic Meta-Synthesis.
abstract: Dementia influences a person's experience of social relationships, as described in several studies. In this systematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies, we aim to interpret and synthesize the experiences of persons with dementias and their relations with others.
  
  
  
  Living with dementia changes life, leading to new social roles and different social statuses. Persons with dementia experience being disconnected and dependent on others, feeling like being a burden, and being a person who is treated in paternalistic ways. Family, friends and others with dementia might play significant roles in their ability to maintain a meaningful life. Key Messages: Three categories emerged from the data, change in life, change in relations, and maintenance of meaningful aspects in life; these categories are intertwined and essential in sustaining a lifeline for persons with dementia. The comprehensive meaning of the material is understood as the expression: Living a meaningful life in relational changes.
authors.affiliation: Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Tønsberg, Norway.
authors.forename: Siren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eriksen
authors.forename: Anne-Sofie
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Helvik
authors.forename: Lene Kristin
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Juvet
authors.forename: Kirsti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Skovdahl
authors.forename: Linn Hege
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Førsund
authors.forename: Ellen Karine
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Grov
mesh_terms: D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012380:Role