Background: Cognitive communication difficulties are a characteristic feature of dementia. These deficits have negative effects on all aspects of daily life. Yet, there are few options for standardized assessment of cognitive communication skills in people with dementia. Aims: To review published cognitive-communication assessments to determine what psychometrically sound assessments exist that are applicable to all people with dementia. Methods & Procedures: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using an established scoping review model. Cognitive-communication assessments validated in English with people with dementia were sought. A comprehensive search of eight relevant electronic databases was undertaken. Two reviewers independently analysed and assessed the psychometric quality of instruments that met inclusion criteria. Outcomes & Results: Four cognitive-communication assessments were included in the review. Although psychometrically sound, none was suitable for administration at all stages of dementia. Only one was validated for different dementia types. None included subtests for evaluation of conversation ability, and none involved the evaluation of communication partners' communication. Conclusions & Implications: There are limited options for standardized communication assessment for individuals with dementia and their communication partners. Directions for the development of new measures are provided to facilitate research and improve clinical practice.
What this paper addsWhat is already known on the subject People with dementia experience deterioration in communication function with the progression of the disease, but they retain functional communication abilities. Speech and language therapists have few assessments for evaluating the cognitive communication ability of people with dementia.
What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis scoping review has identified and summarized the cognitive communication assessments that have been validated for use with people with dementia and has synthesized their validity, reliability, acceptability and comprehensiveness.
What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?Currently, speech and language therapists must use assessments that are validated for use on specific subtypes of dementia and not across severity levels. Given that interventions typically include a focus on the listener's
Purpose
Conversation abilities of people with dementia (PwD) are impacted by cognitive communication deficits. Communication interventions can improve quality of life by increasing positive interactions and well-being. This study evaluates the feasibility of a conversation coaching intervention (CCI) for PwD and their communication partners (CPs).
Methods
A mixed method design was used. Thirty-four people were recruited over 12 months, 17 PwD and 17 CPs. CCI involved 1:1 and group sessions facilitated by 2 experienced speech and language therapists weekly, over 6 weeks. Participants were assessed initially and 3 months following intervention using; Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia (P-CAD), Goal Attainment Scaling and Capability Index for Older people (ICECAP-O).
Results
Twenty-eight participants completed CCI. P-CAD scores for PwD were maintained at three months for 71% (n=10) showing no decline in function and 29% (n=4) showed improvement. All PwD and their CPs reported that CCI helped them achieve their individual communication goals. Ten (71%) PwD rated their well-being as higher on the ICE-CAP-O following intervention with 29% (n=4) rating no change in well-being from initial assessment. Over three quarters of CPs, (79%: n=11), reported an increased sense of well-being following intervention and 29% (n=4) had no change in well-being.
Conclusions
Preliminary outcomes including participant feedback indicates that CCI is feasible with PwD. The communication function and well-being of PwD was either maintained or improved. CCI is collaborative and enhances retained communication abilities of people living with dementia.
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