It is common to believe that dementia can progress so far that it makes it almost impossible to ‘find’ the person inside. It can seem as if they have disappeared entirely into their illness. Science is now helping us to understand that is not true.
This 64-page book features as part of the connected baby series of guides. It introduces readers to Adaptive Interaction – an approach to interaction that leads us to rethink the nature of communication and advanced dementia.
Human beings are communicative, right from birth. They remain so until the very end of life. Our communicative nature is one of the characteristics most central to our humanity. This guide explains why the approach of Adaptive Interaction is effective in tapping into that humanity, even in very advanced stages of dementia.
The guide is written in a style that makes it suited to both professional and personal interests. Family members will find the information in it as helpful as will professional staff and managers in care homes. Those working with charities and volunteer agencies will also find it of interest, as will anyone with an interest in communication and emotional connection.
The guide describes the research base validating Adaptive Interaction and explores the relation between the scientific literatures pertaining to dementia and attachment. It ends by recommending a range of further resources.
