Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Senior Researcher Rune Nielsen, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen
- Second opponent: Professor Bodil Hansen Blix, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor II Stig Tore Bogstrand, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Associate Professor Anne Kari Tolo Heggestad, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Anne Marie Mork Rokstad, Ageing and Health
Summary
Dementia is an increasing public health challenge due to the growing number and proportion of older people. In Norway, prevalence data exist, but incidence figures have been lacking, making planning difficult. Diagnosis is often influenced by social factors, and access to services depends on a formal diagnosis—those without one risk missing essential support.
This thesis aimed to provide valid estimates of dementia incidence in Norway and to explore the experiences and impacts of cognitive impairment and dementia for individuals and family caregivers. Three specific aims were addressed: (1) estimating dementia incidence; (2) exploring lived experiences of cognitive impairment and dementia; and (3) examining caregivers’ perspectives on diagnosis.
Data were obtained from the population-based Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). Study 1 used a longitudinal cohort design with 5,229 dementia-free participants aged 70+ followed over four years (HUNT4 and HUNT AiT). Comprehensive clinical assessments enabled the first population-based incidence estimates in Norway. Studies 2 and 3 applied qualitative descriptive designs, using interviews with individuals with cognitive impairment (n=15) and caregivers (n=8).
Results showed that 14.3% developed dementia over 4.2 years, and incidence doubled every five years after age 75. Projections indicate nearly 29,000 new cases in 2023, rising to over 56,000 by 2050. Diagnosis often brought relief and clarity but also anxiety; undiagnosed individuals frequently reported good quality of life, highlighting the importance of timely—not merely early—diagnosis. Caregivers of diagnosed individuals were more aware of services and received more support.
The overall conclusion of this thesis is that dementia incidence will rise sharply, requiring better planning and service accessibility. Timely diagnosis can reduce stigma and improve care, but support for caregivers is essential regardless of diagnosis.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.