This document summarizes key findings from a study on dementia in the workplace. It begins with background statistics showing an increasing percentage of older age groups remaining in the workforce. The study explored employment experiences of those with dementia or mild cognitive impairment through 17 case studies and interviews with employers. Key findings included: 1) Experiencing varying symptoms at work depending on job type; 2) Complexities in supporting continued employment through adjustments and support networks; 3) Perceived benefits of working for managing symptoms versus negative impacts of leaving. The conclusions note unique experiences and support may have prevented some job losses.

1. Dementia in the workplace
Dr Louise Ritchie
Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Awareness Week Conference
3rd June 2016.
@lourit

2. Dementia in the Workplace: Background
Age group 35-49 50-64 65+
2005 81.9% 64% 5.9%
2015 83.9% 68.9% 10.3%
Percentage of UK population employed or self employed by age group from 2005-2015
Source: Labour Force Survey, Office for National Statistics

3. Dementia in the workplace: the potential for
continued employment post diagnosis
 Alzheimer’s Society funded research study 2013-2015
 Aim: To explore the employment related experiences of
people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI),
and attitudes of employers and/or co-workers towards
supporting people with dementia, in order to identify the
potential for continued employment post diagnosis

4. Case studies (n=17)

5. Interview Topics
1.
Employment
Interview
2.
First
problems
3.
Impact
on work
5.
Support
at work
4.
Health
6.
Home and
family

6. Participants
 17 case studies
Case study A: Rose
Female
Age 58
NHS team leader (office based)
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in
2014
Disclosed diagnosis to employers via email
setting out plans to continue employment
and support she would require.
After three months working she decided
to take early retirement
Case study B: Edward
Male
Age 62
Judge
Diagnosed with dementia in 2011
Disclosed diagnosis to employers and was
put on sick leave
Two years later he was retired due to ill
health

7. Findings
1) Experiencing dementia in the workplace
i. Recognising dementia
ii. Symptoms experienced
2) Supporting continued employment
i. Managing risk
ii. Support network
iii. Adjustments
iv. Leaving work
3) Work keeps me well
i. Managing symptoms better
ii. Social connectedness
iii. It was a relief to leave
4) Workplace perspectives
i. Doing the best we can
ii. Balancing business needs
iii. Impact on colleagues

8. 1) Experiencing dementia in the workplace
 Initial problems were recognised in the workplace but
not recognised as dementia
“I said okay, right, let’s get through this period then the
stress will hopefully go away and things will get better.”
(Head of business support)
 Problems varied depending on the type of work the
participant did
“That’s one of the first things that went was understanding
of money.” (Shopkeeper)

9. 2) Supporting continued employment
 Supporting continued employment was
complex and includes:
– Support networks (home and work)
– Insight into abilities
– Workplace adjustments
– Support for leaving work

10. 3) Work keeps me well
 Perceived benefits of continuing employment
“The more I do, the longer I’ll keep some sort of good function
there.”(Head of Business support)
 Contrasted with those who left employment

11. Conclusions
 Each individual had a unique experience in
the workplace
 For many, appropriate support at an earlier
stage may have prevented loss of
employment
 Support for employers and occupational
health nurses is required

12. Thank you
louise.ritchie@uws.ac.uk
Dr Louise Ritchie Professor Debbie Tolson Professor Mike Danson
Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy
and Practice
Heriot-Watt
University