Sources of uncertainty: experiences of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Uncertainty is an inherent part of most illness experiences and Alzheimer's disease in particular is fraught with uncertainties, especially for the family. In an investigation of sources of uncertainty, 33 adult children with a parent diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease were interviewed. Participants described medical, personal, and social sources of uncertainty related to their parent's diagnosis. This research contributes to literature on uncertainty management and addresses the specific illness experiences of families coping with uncertainty related to Alzheimer's disease. Recommendations are made for further research that focuses on the ways family members are affected by illness.