© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel Review Article Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2016;42:342–368 The Experience of Relations in Persons with Dementia: A Systematic Meta-Synthesis Siren Eriksen a Anne-Sofie Helvik a, c Lene Kristin Juvet b, d Kirsti Skovdahl b Linn Hege Førsund b Ellen Karine Grov e a Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Tønsberg, b Institute of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Social Work, University College of Southeast Norway, Drammen, c Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, d The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, and e Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway Keywords Dementia · Meta-synthesis · Interviews · Lived relations · Life-world perspective · Person’s experiences Abstract Background: Dementia influences a person’s experience of social relationships, as described in several studies. In this systematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies, we aim to interpret and synthesize the experiences of persons with dementias and their relations with others. Sum- mary: Living with dementia changes life, leading to new social roles and different social sta- tuses. Persons with dementia experience being disconnected and dependent on others, feeling like being a burden, and being a person who is treated in paternalistic ways. Family, friends and others with dementia might play significant roles in their ability to maintain a meaningful life. Key Messages: Three categories emerged from the data, change in life, change in relations, and maintenance of meaningful aspects in life; these categories are intertwined and essential in sustaining a lifeline for persons with dementia. The comprehensive meaning of the material is understood as the expression: Living a meaningful life in relational changes. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel Introduction Strauss [1] has stated that to each and every single person there is nothing general about life – life is in the details. From this perspective, lived experience and lived understanding of illness and context are important aspects of healthcare. The psychosocial dimension often influences a person’s health from an overall perspective. House et al. [2] showed that good, robust social relationships have as much of an impact on Accepted: October 10, 2016 Published online: November 19, 2016 Siren Eriksen Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health (Ageing and Health) Postbox 2136 NO–3103 Tønsberg (Norway) E-Mail siren.eriksen @ aldringoghelse.no www.karger.com/dem DOI: 10.1159/000452404