Expressions of individuality in cognitively impaired elders. Need for individual assessment and care.

1. Cognitively impaired elders uniquely express their individuality (expressed selfness) despite the effects of the dementing process. 2. Recognizing and attending to expressed selfness has implications for planning nursing care both to meet specific needs and to support existing characteristics and behaviors. 3. With the multiple losses encountered in dementia, supporting expressed selfness accessible to the individual can enhance the quality of the individual's living experience.