Principles and Strategies of Interviewing People with Advanced Dementia

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Cognitive Impairment Studies

Background:

• People with advanced dementia are often excluded from qualitative research.
• There is a growing recognition of the value of their participation.
• Adaptations for interviewing individuals with advanced dementia remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine and present adaptations to qualitative interview techniques for people with advanced dementia.
• To identify strategies for enhancing meaning-making and engagement in research.
• To provide methodological learnings for researchers interviewing this population.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with individuals in family and care-home settings.
• Analyzed researcher-initiated adaptations during interviews.
• Focused on strategies like in-the-moment member checking and utilizing carers as partners.

Main Results:

• Effective adaptations include contextualizing questions, using direct/closed questions when necessary, and allowing participants to lead ('coasting').
• Carers play a crucial role as conversation partners.
• Creating safe interactions and employing multiple meaning-making methods are vital.

Conclusions:

• Meaningful engagement with people with advanced dementia in interviews is achievable through specific methodological adaptations.
• Relatable research topics and flexible communication strategies are essential.
• Further reflection on interview interactions is encouraged to refine future research practices.