Abstract
BackgroundDementia can lead to difficulties in communication between caregivers and patients. Teaching conversational strategies has been effective for a wide array of clients with acquired neurologic disorders and their caregivers. Research indicates positive results for Supported Conversation for adults with Aphasia (SCA) secondary to stroke. Applying this method to work with caregivers of individuals with dementia could prove to be a valid intervention tool. This investigation examined the applicability of SCA with individuals with dementia and their familial caregivers.MethodFour dyads (caregiver and individual with dementia) participated in the SCA program with some adaptation for dementia. The program was 4 weeks with a pre-training and post training assessment. The Measure of Skill in Supported Conversation (MSC) and Measure of Level of Participation in Conversation (MPC) were given to measure the overall effectiveness of SCA at teaching and improving communication, respectively. A qualitative analysis of unproductive coping mechanisms also occurred. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was given to gauge caregiver burden from pre- to post-training.ResultsMSC and MPC scores were significantly improved from baseline to post training, and a significant reduction in unproductive coping behaviors also occured. ZBI scores were variable across participants.ConclusionsResults suggest that the SCA has the potential to be used to improve communication between persons with dementia and their caregivers. Findings suggest that further research is warranted into the effectiveness of SCA in dementia.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered 9/5/2018 ISRCTN17622451.
Highlights
Dementia can lead to difficulties in communication between caregivers and patients
Measure of Skill in Supported Conversation (MSC) and Measure of Participation in Conversation (MPC) scores were significantly improved from baseline to post training, and a significant reduction in unproductive coping behaviors occured
Results suggest that the Supported Conversation for adults with Aphasia (SCA) has the potential to be used to improve communication between persons with dementia and their caregivers
Summary
Results suggest that the SCA has the potential to be used to improve communication between persons with dementia and their caregivers. SCA and dementia The FOCUSED program and TANDEM model, while teaching caregivers strategies to improve communication, do not have as strong a focus on improving the participation of individuals with dementia in conversation and acknowledging their underlying competence as seen in the SCA. It is important to note that communication breakdown between a familial caregiver and individuals with dementia has been shown to be difficult for caregivers leading to psychosocial difficulties and feelings of increased burden [6]. A program which focuses on both improving communication and participation for individuals with dementia may lead to improved communication and increased participation for individuals with dementia and decreased burden for their caregivers In this pilot study, we attempted to adapt the SCA for populations with dementia.
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