Shared Reading with Older Adults Who Have Dementia: A Pilot Study

Authors

  • Dawn DeVries Grand Valley State University
  • Erin O'Leary A community-based program serving individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Nicholas Wahl Director of Life Enrichment at a continuing care retirement community in West Michigan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2025-V59-I1-12006

Keywords:

shared reading, dementia, older adults, social engagement, recreational therapy, poetry, bibliotherapy, therapeutic recreation

Abstract

 

 The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the benefits of a bibliotherapy technique called shared reading on older adults with a diagnosis of dementia. The study evaluated the impact of shared reading on the mood, cognition, social engagement, and quality of life of six older adults with dementia who lived in a memory care assisted living unit. Fifteen forty-five minute sessions occurred over eight weeks and demonstrated a positive impact on social engagement and quality of life, changes observed in mood and behavior, and mixed results on cognition. The results in this study affirmed research done by others on shared reading with older adults who have dementia. Additionally, this study utilized a previously published protocol on shared reading, which provided a usable structure and format for each session. Implications for practice and recommendations for future studies will assist recreational therapists in using shared reading as an effective intervention for older adults living with dementia.

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Published

2025-03-02

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Regular Papers

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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