1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
IntroductionDementia involves progressive decline in several cognitive abilities including processing speed, memory, language, and executive functioning (Alzheimer's Association, 2016). Although there are specific differences between the types of dementia which are described in detail elsewhere (Alzheimer's Association, 2000), problems with communication arise across all dementia types. In early stages of dementia, word finding (anomia), writing, and understanding complex language such as analogies become more problematic (Haak, 2002). As dementia progresses to its middle stages, spoken language has reduced meaningful content, words may be inappropriately substituted, written information becomes difficult to understand, and multi-step commands are difficult to follow or conceptualize (Haak, 2002). In later stages, the individual may produce streams of nonsensical language or become mute (Alzheimer's Association, 2016). Given deterioration in language, individuals may be unable to communicate their needs (e.g., pain) and carers might struggle to understand what the person is attempting to communicate (Alzheimer's Society, 2016).Such communication discord could result in the person's needs being unmet, reduce their wellbeing, and heighten their distress (Alzheimer's Society, 2016; Downs and Bowers, 2014).To overcome language production and comprehension difficulties, communication strategies have been recommended (Egan et al., 2010; Downs and Bowers, 2014; Kindell et al., 2016). Verbal strategies include short and simple sentences, verbatim repetition, paraphrasing, and conveying one question or idea at a time (Alzheimer's Society, 2016). In addition, speaking in a calm tone, maintaining eye contact, using physical contact, and eliminating environmental distractions are noted to support communication (Alzheimer's Society, 2016). A range of augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) methods are also used to facilitate communication. These include picture boards, Talking-Mats, personal communication dictionaries, computerized speechgenerating devices, and memory aids such as biographical books or reminiscence boxes (Finke et al., 2008; Murphy et al., 2005; Purves et al., 2015). Storytelling and life story work have also been 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 unclear. Historically, people with dementia have been excluded from research as they were assumed to be incapable of participating due to cognitive declines (Cottrell and Schultz, 1993). However, it is increasingly recognized that this population experience thoughts and feelings and remain capable of expressing their opinions (Benbow and Ki...