Alzheimer's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Alzheimer's Disease, including details on diagnosis, memory loss, heredity, treatment, medication.

Possible selves of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Cotrell V, Hooker K

Graduate School of Social Work, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA. cotrellv@pdx.edu

This study is one of the first to examine self-goals and their relationship to affect among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using the construct of possible selves, the authors collected data from 50 participants with mild to moderate AD and 50 demographically similar cognitively intact older adults. Findings suggest a resourcefulness and flexibility of the self-system in response to the presence of dementia-related concerns. Positive affect was associated with family-related self-goals of AD participants, indicating particular importance of this domain. Some of these responses may represent goal modifications that result in a more satisfactory adjustment to the illness; further inquiry may lead to a better understanding of resiliency and quality of life in persons with AD.

Published 20 July 2005 in Psychol Aging, 20(2): 285-94.
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