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Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Conceptualizing attunement in dementia care: a meta-ethnographic review
Julie Kolbe Krøier1, Orii McDermott2, Hanne Mette Ridder1
1Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Background:
Engagement in non-verbal communication positively influences well-being of persons with dementia, but requires good communication skills from caregivers. An important element of non-verbal communication is attunement, but even though communication is essential for persons experiencing severe cognitive decline, attunement has not been systematically examined in dementia care.
Method:
A meta-ethnographic review was conducted to investigate the concept of attunement in dementia care.
Results:
Six qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Three interwoven themes formed a line-of-argument describing attunement with persons with dementia; (1) Taking the perspective of the person with dementia and the importance of person-centred approach, (2) Developing understanding through an empathic approach and (3) Using musical parameters in the interaction: Tempo adjustments, timing and the use of music.
Conclusion:
The results bring new knowledge about reciprocity and musical elements in non-verbal communication in dementia care and how these elements potentially increase well-being of persons with dementia.
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