Table 3 Example quotes for AD concepts

Symptoms

Memory loss

I can look up somebody's name, go to the phone book, once I've got the number, I've forgotten whose name I'm looking for [61]

Loss of thought

This is the worst part when I lose my train of thoughts and you stand there like an idiot! It gets a little embarrassing[61]

Emotional Functioning

Anger

The worst thing is my short term memory, which irritates me so much. I get angry with myself. [65]

Fear

Well, that part is a little frightening when all of a sudden you find yourself, you know, what do I do? Like where am I? or what[61]

Mental Health

Anxiety

It's kind of scary to me...and I'll hate going out or anything. [61]

Relationships

Partner

She wants to help and sometimes she overhelps and I have to say, you know, just leave me, and she gets a bit cross... [59]

Friends

No...my intimate friends possibly, but I don't talk that much about it...this is my concern, and I will sort it out because it afflicts me, me and my family. But our neighbours know[65]

Family

My family members' relationships with me changed as soon as they found out I was 'no longer competent.' The things that I say seem to be a lot more subject to question than they used to be. It's as if I cant possibly know anything anymore[68]

Social Impact

Socialising

Well, all of a sudden I felt a wave of terror wash over me. We went in and it turned out to be a surprise party. Well, I didn't recognize anyone...it was then that I got overcome and passed out. It was the worst experience I can tell you. [63].

Conversation

I'm ducking out of conversations more. [64]

Withdrawal

Yeah, another bad thing that I find now, that I don't want to speak to anybody in here (meaning the housing complex). Because I can't talk to them soon as they talk...I know everybody. But their names are all gone. [61]

Physical functioning

Physical well being

I'm so happy that I'm physically well. So...so I make sure I'm out and about a lot. [65]

Activities of Daily living

Activities

As for driving the car, I used to like it...but now I have to get in a car with someone else and tell them where I want to go[68]

I can look up somebody's name, go to the phone book, once I've got the number, I've forgotten whose name I'm looking for...[61]

Self care

I can't do anything myself. Even buttons and things like that...I just...they do it for me...I hate these things. I get the temper. [64]

Hobbies

I think it started with the sewing. People would ask me to sew something for them and I'd forget all about it [63].

Self Image

Self concept

It's devastating, and it takes away your sense of self. And I find it very hard to deal with [63]

Independence

Loss of independence

Your neighbours will stop and talk to you, just for a minute. Then they'll say, 'well I'll walk around with you.' And I wish I'd never told them I have it because it took away my freedom. [68]

Role Functioning

Work

I used to teach classes. I used to edit a journal. I used to do all kinds of things I'm not doing now[68]