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Increasing social communication in persons with dementia
Gayle J Acton1, Sheryl Yauk, Barbara A Hopkins
1School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, TX 78701, USA. gayle.acton@mail.utexas.edu
Research and Theory for Nursing Practice
|March 24, 2007
Summary
Individualized communication strategies improved communication for persons with dementia (PWDs), increasing their words per topic and reducing conversational topics needed. This suggests tailored approaches can enhance PWDs expression and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Communication Studies
- Psychology
Background:
- Communication challenges between caregivers and persons with dementia (PWDs) can escalate stress and behavioral issues.
- Kitwood's dementia care theory highlights collaborative communication's role in enhancing PWD well-being and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of individualized communication prescriptions in facilitating collaborative communication with PWDs.
- To determine if tailored communication strategies improve PWDs' ability to express needs and preferences.
Main Methods:
- Ten PWDs participated in two interviews.
- Individualized communication prescriptions were developed based on the first interview.
- These prescriptions were implemented in a second interview to facilitate communication.
Main Results:
- No significant increase in the total number of words used by PWDs was observed in the second interview.
- PWDs demonstrated a significant increase in words per topic during the second interview.
- The number of topics required to sustain a 15-minute conversation significantly decreased in the second interview.
Conclusions:
- Systematic, individualized communication strategies can effectively enhance collaborative communication with PWDs.
- Tailored communication approaches may empower PWDs to better express their needs, preferences, and ideas.
- This study supports the use of personalized communication techniques to improve the quality of life for persons with dementia.
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