Improving Communication Between Persons with Mild Dementia and Their Caregivers: Qualitative Analysis of a Practice-Based Logopaedic Intervention

Objective: To identify the essential elements of a newly developed, practice-based logopaedic intervention, which focuses on communication between persons with dementia (PwDs) and their caregivers. Methods: The intervention of 6 one-hour sessions was conducted and evaluated with 4 PwD-caregiver dyads. Eighteen therapy sessions were video recorded and semi-structured interviews with all dyads and an interview with the speech-language therapist (SLT) were audio recorded. Framework analysis and triangulation were used to analyse the data. Results: Five elements were found, which were systematically applied in the treatment of all dyads: interactive history taking, dynamic assessment, education about consequences of dementia for communicative effectiveness, development and use of two communication tools, and specific didactic strategies of the SLT. Regarding the outcome of the treatment, the dyads valued the focus on the interaction between PwD and caregiver, the usefulness of the received pieces of advice, and the empowering attitude of the SLT, which improved their self-confidence. The SLT added another element for an efficient approach: the ability to deliver treatment in people’s home environment. Conclusion: A short pragmatic but consistent approach for communication problems caused by dementia seems promising for improving daily communication and reducing stress and frustration. Further research will explore the feasibility and efficacy of this approach.