Giving Voice to Persons Living With Dementia: The Researcher’s Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Few qualitative studies have examined the experiences of persons living with dementia and little has been written about the opportunities and challenges for the researchers. This article challenges the assumption of dwindling personhood among persons with dementia. Methodological challenges which may be encountered by qualitative researchers are outlined and specific strategies for addressing these challenges are described including: modifying consent/assent procedures, adjusting sample size, facilitating communication, and making the most of the data.