Caregiver Conversations with People with Cognitive Impairment
Author Information
Author(s): Savundranayagam Marie, Schumann Annette, Orange Joseph, Pritchard Sharon, Pichora-Fuller M Kathleen, Wittich Walter, Mick Paul, Campos Jennifer
Primary Institution: Western University
Hypothesis
How do sensory losses affect conversations between caregivers and individuals with cognitive impairments?
Conclusion
Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease show more communication breakdowns and require more repair strategies during conversations compared to those with mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson's Disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The AD group had poorer hearing than the MCI and PD groups.
- Both AD and MCI groups had poorer vision than the PD group.
- The MCI group used significantly more communication units than the AD and PD groups.
- The proportion of trouble sources created by caregivers was significantly greater for conversations in the AD group.
Takeaway
This study looks at how people with memory problems talk with their family members, especially when they have trouble hearing or seeing.
Methodology
Conversations were analyzed using the trouble-source repair paradigm, focusing on communication breakdowns and repair strategies.
Participant Demographics
60% male participants and 75% female caregivers, primarily spouses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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