Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias affect nearly one in thirteen
Canadians over the age of 65. Difficulties in communicating are frequently cited as the
greatest source of stress for individuals who have a diagnosis of dementia and their
families. Despite the wide recognition that the family is affected by a relative’s diagnosis
of dementia, there has been little research aimed at understanding the experience of the
family as a unit. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the family experience of
communicating with a relative who has dementia.
This study used a qualitative single case study design, drawing on the theory of
Symbolic Interactionism. Three members of one family participated in two individual
interviews and a family interview. The family member who was experiencing symptoms
associated with AD but whose diagnosis was referred to as “cognitive impairment” (CI),
participated in one individual interview. Interviews were transcribed and the data was
analyzed using constant comparative analysis.
The findings that emerged from the data indicate that the participating family
approached communication with the intention of achieving three particular goals in their
interactions. These goals were to include, protect, and bring happiness to their afflicted
family member. Three strategies were identified as the primary strategies used to achieve
these goals: interpreting, scripting, and translating. Further, the family was organized in
such a way that members were positioned either as part of the ‘core’ of the family or on
the ‘outskirts’ of the family. Family members that pursued and achieved the three goals
in their interactions with the relative who has CI were considered to be part of the core
while others who were not willing or capable of interacting in this way were positioned
on the outskirts of the family.
Understanding the communication experience of the family as a unit offers a vital
link to meet the needs of families dealing with the effects of CI. This knowledge will aid
in formulating important new questions and insights for researchers and clinicians to
provide the care and support necessary to promote the well-being of families affected by CI.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/2737 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Pollard, Larissa Nicole |
| Publisher | University of British Columbia |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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