Storytelling as a model of conversation for people with dementia and caregivers

Deborah I. Fels*, Arlene J. Astell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Storytelling is an important method of communication at all stages of life. Sharing narratives about lived events and experiences provides topics of conversation and opportunities for connecting with other people. In this article, we apply a conventional model of storytelling to the verbal reminiscences of older people with a dementia diagnosis. Their stories retain the conventional structure, suggesting that storytelling, which is an enjoyable and engaging social activity, can provide a conversation model for people with dementia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)535-541
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias
Volume26
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • conversation
  • dementia
  • reminiscing
  • storytelling

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