Development of an Awareness Context Theory Typology for Addressing Communication Patterns in Mild Dementia

Abstract

A two-step qualitative/quantitative method was used to study the applicability and utility of awareness context theory (ACT) for understanding couples' communication when one member has early-stage dementia. Results indicate that the majority of early-stage demented spouses, primarily male in this study, maintain an idealized perception of communication and marital satisfaction that is often not matched by their partner. Where communication is acknowledged as mutually open, there are accompanying elevations in scores on marital satisfaction and intimacy. Disagreement about communication style is positively related to openness to professional help. Findings support the utility of ACT for understanding couples in early-stage dementia. A 6-category typology of ACT is presented for consideration.

Key Words:

• Alzheimer's
• communication
• marital
• awareness
• context
• caregiver
• patient