Narrative Identity and Dementia: A Study of Autobiographical Memories and Emotions (Cedr, Centre for Evaluative Developmental Research)

A study of 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 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 gives 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 may find this book to be a useful resource, together with those who work in the field of dementia.