What and "How": A New Perspective for Understanding Unawareness in Alzheimer’s Disease Through a Combination of Two Perspectives
Résumé
OBJECTIVES: Assessments of unawareness in Alzheimer’s disease mainly focus on the objects (the "what") of unawareness. A recent person-centered approach proposes to also assess the processes (the "how"). The present study combines 2 approaches to understand this heterogeneity in assessments of unawareness. METHOD: We recruited 46 participants from 8 nursing homes. They underwent a semi-structured interview and were assessed using a prediction-performance paradigm. Spearman correlations were calculated, and generalized additive models were established. RESULTS: The 2 approaches are associated through cognitive deficits, confrontation with difficulties and identity changes. Objects (the what), mechanisms, and modes of expression (the how) explain at least 29.6% of the variance of unawareness. CONCLUSIONS: Unawareness is more than simply being unaware of something; it is a synergy between the objects and processes of arousal and expression. Moreover, unawareness extends beyond the disease to include the self. Considering the entire person seems to be necessary.
Domaines
Sciences cognitives
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