The Life Book as a communication tool in Alzheimer’s disease: A pilot study with a qualitative methodology

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects several important cognitive functions and communication. From the early stages of the disease, a progressive deterioration in the person's communication skills affects the relationship between the caregiver and his or her family member. Few tools are available to families to maintain adequate communication with the person with AD. However, several studies in long-term care facilities have shown that meaningful photo viewing or reminiscence therapy increase the person's well-being and stimulate interactions. Thus, considering this information, the creation of a life book illustrated with photos could potentially improve communication between the caregiver and his or her family member. Two objectives were pursued: explore the barriers and facilitators to the development of a life book and evaluate its effects as a communication tool for family caregivers of people with AD. Seven caregivers attended an information session on the effects of AD on communication and a training period about constructing and using a life book. After 11 weeks, the participants filled twoquestionnaires and participated in a focus group to evaluate the construction processes of the life book and its use as a communication tool. The results highlight several barriers and facilitators to the production of a life book and confirm its relevance and beneficial effects as a communication tool for people with AD. Building a life book during speech-language therapy sessions would overcome the barriers identified in this study and provide an essential communication tool for families of people with AD.