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Language Learning for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers: Feasibility and the Quality of Experience
Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation. Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2511-1631
Lingo Flamingo, Glasgow, G41 3LP, UK.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0599-9859
Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1405-7396
Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6424-3699
2024 (English)In: Healthcare, E-ISSN 2227-9032, Vol. 12, no 7, article id 717Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: A body of research from around the world has reported positive effects of bilingualism on cognitive ageing and dementia. However, little is known about whether foreign language learning could be applied as an intervention for people already living with dementia. Yet, before it is possible to determine the efficacy of language courses as an intervention for people living with dementia (PLWD), it is necessary to establish whether such an intervention is feasible. Our study explored this possibility. Methods: We conducted an exploratory study to examine the feasibility and tolerability of 2-week Italian beginner courses for PLWD in early stages and their family carers in two Scottish Dementia Resource Centres (DRCs). The courses were delivered by trained tutors from Lingo Flamingo, a social enterprise specialising in language teaching for older learners and learners with dementia. Twelve PLWD and seven carers participated in the study. Focus groups preceded and followed the courses. Additional post-course open interviews with the DRC managers were conducted, with a follow-up via telephone approximately one year later. Results: Qualitative content analysis resulted in 12 themes, 5 reflected in the interview schedule and 7 arising from the focus groups and interviews. Overall, the courses were perceived positively by PLWD, carers, and DRC managers, although a few logistically and linguistically challenging aspects were also mentioned. The courses were found to positively impact both the individual by increasing self-esteem and producing a sense of accomplishment as well as the group by creating a sense of community. Notably, no adverse effects (in particular no confusion or frustration) were reported. Conclusion: The positive outcomes of our study open a novel avenue for future research to explore foreign language training in dementia as an intervention and its implications.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) , 2024. Vol. 12, no 7, article id 717
Keywords [en]
family carers, language learning, non-pharmacological interventions, people living with dementia, qualitative study
National Category
Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences
Research subject
Psychology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-105180DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070717ISI: 001200915800001PubMedID: 38610141Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85190382502OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ltu-105180DiVA, id: diva2:1853238
Note

Validerad;2024;Nivå 2;2024-04-22 (hanlid);

Funder: University of Edinburgh; AHRC Open WorldResearch Initiative (AH/N004671/1);

Full text license: CC BY

Available from: 2024-04-22 Created: 2024-04-22 Last updated: 2024-11-20Bibliographically approved

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Vega-Mendoza, Mariana

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