Table 3.

Themes and subthemes

Themes	Subthemes
Accommodating to the diagnosis: threat to self and social identity through increasing visibility of dementia	Differing perspectives on dementia as an illness versus normal ageing. Personal experience of and distancing oneself from others with more severe dementia. Affective response to the news: from shock and terrified to less affected. Visibility to others, stigma and fear of disclosure.
Vulnerability and being in limbo	Confronting an inability to do ‘normal’ things and socialise. Being in limbo—future disintegration is scary.
Change in relationships and social isolation: loss of control and agency	Loneliness and social exclusion. Increasing burden and dependence.
Maintaining agency and self-worth	Adapting and staying positive. Promoting agency and independence.