Potential of the Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool for individuals working with Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia

Individuals living with young onset dementia or mild cognitive impairment are typically working when cognitive decline emerges. Inability to maintain job demands can lead to loss of employment, loss of purpose and identity, financial instability, and withdrawal from social networks. The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool was developed to identify workplace supports for individuals with episodic disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore the applicability of the Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool for individuals working with young onset dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 individuals: 11 in Canada, 7 in Finland and 5 in Sweden, where they described job demands and workplace challenges they faced. A secondary analysis of interview data was conducted using content analysis and a framework approach to code, categorize, and examine overlap with the Job Demands and Accommodations Planning Tool. Results showed that the Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool aligns well with the experiences of individuals living with young onset dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool could inform workplace supports for people with young onset dementia or mild cognitive impairment to maintain their presence in the workforce.