Graduation Year

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Major Professor

Michelle S. Bourgeois, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Committee Member

Howard Goldstein, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Committee Member

R. M. Barker, Ph.D.

Keywords

dementia, cognitive decline, memories, sensory recall, sensory cues

Abstract

This study was designed to determine to what extent provision of personally relevant information and sensory cues would agree between Recipient and Informant for selection of memory book content. Six dyads married to each other an average of 29.17 years (SD = 10.03), between the ages of 43 and 70 years (Mean = 57; SD = 8.39), and cognitively competent (i.e., no diagnosis of cognitive impairment) participated. Participants completed questionnaires independently and provided personally relevant information/memories, aversions towards select memories/topics, and sensory cues on behalf of themselves (as “Recipient) and their spouse (as “Informant”). For provision of personally relevant information/memories, Informant and Recipient was 44.58% in agreement (SD = 14.99). For provision of aversions towards select memories/topics, Informant and Recipient was 24.86% in agreement (SD = 30.81). For provision of sensory cues, Informant and Recipient was 19.6% in agreement (SD = 30.81). Findings suggest that memory books made by others may not include the most important memories of the Recipient, thereby limiting the effectiveness of the memory book. Therefore, efforts should be made to encourage individuals to create a memory book while cognitively competent or share their most meaningful memories with the person who is most likely to make them a memory book if they should need one in the future.

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