Memory disorders are mostly studied from the perspective of elderly people, and working-age people with dementia are left out, even if new information is needed about their well-being and service needs.

The purpose of our thesis was to describe the everyday well-being of a working-age person with dementia. The goal of our research was to produce new information about everyday well-being in the life of a working-age person with dementia. We collaborated our research with Oulun Seudun Muistiyhdistys, whose activities include working-age people with dementia.

The theory base of the thesis consists of previous studies on well-being, the most common memory diseases of working-age people, the effects of memory disease on identity and social relationships, and the services offered to working-age people with memory problems. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method and the material used was obtained by thematic interviews with a group of working-age people with dementia. We analyzed the interview material by thematizing it.

The results show the individuality of life situations people with dementia and the fact that it is difficult for them to articulate their need for services. They are often supported by family members in everyday life activities, and dementia can bring challenges to relationships. According to the results, it would be important to get support so that close relationships are preserved in the life of a person with dementia. The research also revealed the importance of information provided by the memory nurse and the peer support through the Oulun Seudun Muistiyhdistys ry.

The results of our research support the activities of the Oulun Seudun Muistiyhdistys ry, which strengthens the maintenance of family relationships through information and peer support. In the future, our research could be conducted with individual interviews, in which case it would be possible to bring up issues that you do not necessarily want to discuss in a group situation.