Implementing AAC for a Person with Dementia

Implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for persons with dementia necessitates the involvement of the person with dementia and important stakeholders in all phases of assessment and intervention. This is aligned to a person-centred care approach, which is widely advocated as best practice when working with persons with dementia. This case report describes the process of developing an AAC intervention for a woman diagnosed with moderate dementia. The authors illustrate how evidence-based AAC decision making was applied in clinical practice. Moreover, this case report highlights how the implementation of various AAC strategies can evolve with dementia severity. Additionally, the implications of including families that are culturally diverse in the intervention process and the importance of reflective practice are considered.