Increasing social communication in persons with dementia.

Communication difficulties between caregivers and persons with dementia (PWDs) may increase stress, resulting in behavior problems. Kitwood's theory of dementia care suggests that successful collaborative communication increases well-being and quality of life in PWDs. This study aimed to determine if individualized communication prescriptions (ways interviewers might facilitate collaborative communication) are effective for doing so. Ten PWDs were interviewed; individualized communication prescriptions developed then implemented in a second interview. No increase in number of words used by PWDs occurred in interview 2; however, PWDs' words per topic significantly increased and number of topics needed to sustain a 15-minute conversation significantly decreased in the second interview. Systematic, individualized communication strategies may encourage PWDs to express their needs, preferences, and ideas.