The Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for Individuals with Dementia: Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study reviewed previous studies examining the effect of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on expressive language ability, cognitive ability, and quality of life of individuals with dementia to provide effective treatment approaches in clinical settings. Methods: A total of 8 studies on AAC interventions for dementia were selected through a literature search in the database and selection process. To comprehensively analyze the intervention effect sizes reported in the literature, a metaanalysis method was applied, and the effect size Hedges’ g was calculated for each measurement variable. Results: Results showed that the overall effect size of the AAC intervention was g=.864, which was statistically significant and effective at 95% confidence intervals. To be specific, there were significant positive effects on cognitive ability and quality of life. However, the AAC intervention did not have a significant effect on the expressive language ability of individuals with dementia. Conclusion: The meta-analysis method was applied to comprehensively analyze whether AAC intervention had a significant effect on the communication and quality of life of patients with dementia. By reviewing the results of the previous studies, effective AAC interventions in language, cognition, and quality of life of dementia patients were reviewed. Directions for future studies on AAC intervention in dementia were discussed.