First Name:
Hannah
Last Name:
Collins
Major Department:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Thesis Director:
Louise Keegan
Date of Thesis:
May 2014
The impact of contextual factors on quality of life and communication are often overlooked by those who work with people who have Dementia. Hence, this case study investigates one woman who has Alzheimer's Dementia, and examines her communication in multiple contexts with several communication partners. Transcriptions of these conversations were analyzed from a linguistic perspective and results were consistent with the theory that contextual factors have a significant impact on quality of life and communication. The results are discussed with regard to further changes that therapists can make in order to enhance therapy sessions and quality of life for their clients.