Shared Reading with Older Adults Who Have DementiaA Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the benefits of a bibliotherapy technique called shared reading on older adults with a diagnosis of dementia. The study evaluated the impact of shared reading on the mood, cognition, social engagement, and quality of life of six older adults with dementia who lived in a memory care assisted living unit. Fifteen forty-five minute sessions occurred over eight weeks and demonstrated a positive impact on social engagement and quality of life, changes observed in mood and behavior, and mixed results on cognition. The results in this study affirmed research done by others on shared reading with older adults who have dementia. Additionally, this study utilized a previously published protocol on shared reading, which provided a usable structure and format for each session. Implications for practice and recommendations for future studies will assist recreational therapists in using shared reading as an effective intervention for older adults living with dementia.