Perceived barriers to self-management for people with dementia in the early stages

People with dementia in the early stages currently experience a care-gap, which self-management may address. We explore perceived barriers to self-management. Using a systematic approach (logic mapping), 19 participants (people with dementia, carers, healthcare professionals and charity representatives) described self-management barriers facing people living with dementia. Thematic content analysis revealed six main themes: the lived experience of dementia, diagnosis, role of carer/ family, impact of health-care professionals, organisation of health services and societal views. People with dementia were seen as passive recipients of care, unable to self-manage owing to impact of dementia on cognitive abilities. The need for interventions which are largely emotion focussed, encourage activity maintenance and improve quality of life were described. Barriers to self-management exist at multiple levels, suggesting a whole-systems approach is required.