Browsing by Author "Laakso, Milja"

Objectives. Studies have shown that word finding difficulties form a significant trouble source in speech of individuals with moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). However systematic research has focused typically in naming tests even though managing in test situations does not reveal how word finding difficulties really affect in conversational interaction. Analysis of conversation have shown that continuing word finding difficulties complicates person's possibilities to participate in an interaction. The aim of this study is to report what kind of word searches appear in a conversational interaction of individuals with moderate AD. Using conversation analytic approach this study focuses on what kind of traits typically appear in word searches and how speakers deal with word searches. Methods. Participants of this study were four individuals with moderate AD who participated in a conversation group. Database was formed from two filmed appointments and the total duration was 70 minutes 16 seconds. Conversation group appointments were held by two speech and language therapist students and their instructor. Appointments were transcribed and word searches were identified by using verbal and nonverbal traits that indicates word search. Using conversation analytic approach word searches were analyzed and each indicating trait was classified. Results and conclusions. Nearly three thirds of all word searches found in this data were solved successfully. Approximately half of them were solved by the speaker with AD himself and a bit less than fifth of word searches were solved in co-operation with the communication partner. However solution was not always completing target word but reformulating the trouble source or elaboration made by the communication partner. Around fourth of word searches were left unsolved and persons with AD had great difficulties to handle the trouble source. This study has given knowledge about conversational interaction of individuals with moderate AD and results highlights the significance of conversation partner in maintaining a conversation.