Brief description: Conversation abilities of people with dementia 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 people with dementia and their communication partners.

Method: A mixed method design was used. Thirty-four people were recruited over 12 months; 17 people with dementia and 17 communication partners. Participants with dementia were aged between 62-79 years (8 females, 9 males) and the communication partners were aged 33-77 years (5 males, 12 females). CCI involved two assessment sessions (pre and post intervention) and 6 weekly sessions, alternating between individual and group based sessions. These were facilitated by two experienced speech and language therapists with a three month follow-up period. Participants were assessed initially and three 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 people with dementia were maintained at three months for 71% (n=10) showing no decline in function and 29% (n=4) showed improvement. Using the Goal Attainment Scaling, all people with dementia and their communication partners reported that CCI helped them achieve their individual communication goals. Ten (71%) people with dementia 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 communication partners, (79%: n=11), reported an increased sense of well-being following intervention and 21% (n=3) had no change in well-being.

Conclusions: Preliminary outcomes including participant feedback indicate that CCI is feasible in people with dementia. The communication function and well-being of people with dementia was either maintained or improved. CCI is collaborative and enhances retained communication abilities of people living with dementia.

Dooley, S., Furey, S., O’Hanlon, S., & Walshe, M. (2024). Conversation coaching in dementia: a feasibility study. European Geriatric Medicine, 15(1), 209-216.