The Self and Alzeimer's Disease

The Self in a Case Study with Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Life Quality

Sarafidou S.

Abstract

The self as a concept used to be highly neglected in the research and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It was widely accepted that along with the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder, the self diminishes, until it is entirely ‘lost’. Recent theories and researches though have argued that the self is maintained in AD, as long as ‘we know where to look’. The self tended to be linked with cognition and metacognitive processes (such as self- reflective processes) but it can be expressed through cognition, emotion, behavior and the physical reality of the person. Currently, very little research has focused on the self in the latest stages of the disorder. How can we detect the self in late stage AD? Why is this important? How can we understand if the person is experiencing a good quality of life (QOL)?

A case study of an elderly woman with AD is presented. The self appears to be present even in the most progressed stage of AD, through cognition, behaviour, emotion and the physical aspect. Through similar cues we can detect the (QOL) in AD. The two concepts appear to be interrelated: maintaining a sense of self as the disorder progresses may allow the person to have a good QOL.

The current case study provides some evidence into the existence of a sense of self in late stage dementia, and it opens new roots of perception of the subject, while urges for further research on the field. Arguing that the self is present in AD has many important theoretical and practical (experimental and clinical) implications, and several applications.

Acknowledgements

The current case study had no conflicts of interest. I would like to thank the family of the person, who exhibited understanding and supported the presentation and publication of the case study.

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