ABSTRACT

First published in 1998, this book is a study on the influence of emotions on autobiographical memory in dementia. Based on eight in-depth case-studies of older people with dementia, collected over a two year period, the general findings of this innovative study reveal the strength and durability of the personal narrative even as cognitive processes decline. Using a psychotherapeutic approach, the author is able to demonstrate that the retention of a personal past give a sense of narrative identity and well-being to sufferers of dementia and has an important part to play in dementia care training. Researchers, teachers and students will find this book a useful resource, together with those who work in the field of ageing and dementia care.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|20 pages

Dementia and the therapeutic approach

chapter 2|13 pages

Autobiographical memory and dementia

chapter 3|26 pages

The single case-study method

chapter 4|14 pages

The settings and the sample

chapter 6|27 pages

Implications for therapeutic practice

chapter 7|28 pages

A theoretical discussion

chapter 8|8 pages

A final word