Improving the reading experience of people with early-stage dementia 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Interview study to investigate ways of improving the reading experience of people with early-stage dementia by modifying text presentation (version 1)
IRAS ID
208091
Contact name
Marie Leahy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 25 days
Research summary
Improving the reading experience of people with early-stage dementia
This project will examine the needs of individuals who have early-stage dementia but who want to continue to read for pleasure. Recent medical advances have made it possible to diagnose dementia while the symptoms are relatively minor, so new ways of supporting people with a mild cognitive impairment are becoming increasingly important.
Dementia – and in particular Alzheimer’s disease – frequently causes problems with memory and orientation. This research aims to investigate whether there are any modifications to traditional book design that would be helpful to individuals with these issues. Preliminary informal discussions indicate that existing publications are not entirely suitable for readers with a cognitive impairment caused by dementia.
Participants for the study will be identified by the Berkshire Memory and Cognition Research Centre, at the University of Reading. All participants will therefore have indicated their willingness to be involved in research. Suitable individuals will be recruited by the Centre’s research nurse.
The study will be conducted by the researcher in the participants’ homes. Test materials will consist of layouts for four books. Alternative treatments will be presented to the participants and they will be invited to comment on the relative merits of each of the design options. A think-aloud approach will be taken and the discussion will be voice-recorded.
A pilot study involving five participants will be carried out, with a larger number of participants (up to 15) to be recruited for the study itself; the final number will depend on the availability of suitable participants. The study will take about six months to carry out and write up.
The research will draw on work carried out for an earlier MA (University of Reading, 2013) and will be funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the Design Star consortium.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2064
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion