Life through a lens: 
non-drug support for people with a learning disability and dementia ​

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Life through a Lens research was led by Karen Watchman alongside a team of co-researchers who were engaged from the outset and have since shared study findings at local, national and international events, facilitated our own national conference in Scotland and co-produced open access and accessible publications. The study aimed to implement non-drug supports with people who had a learning disability and dementia using a range of inclusive data collection methods including photovoice.   

What is photovoice?

Co-researchers, Micheal, Louise and Andrew used a method called photovoice to collect data. This involved taking photographs and using their knowledge by experience of having friends with dementia. The team had received training in photovoice and how to use a digital camera. This is why the research is called ‘Life through a Lens’. The project used a range of other research methods to find out if non-drug supports led to positive changes for individuals. This included taking measures before, during and after the interventions, interviews, goal setting with participants with a learning disability and dementia and using an intervention log.​
​More information can be found in the publications below with Michael, Andrew and Louise as co-authors.

What are non-drug supports?

People with dementia sometimes take prescribed medication (drugs) to help with symptoms associated with dementia. There are additional ways to support people that don’t involve medication. We wanted to find out how far non-drug support can help people with a learning disability and dementia. Non-drug supports implemented in the study included life story work, digital photo album, online reminiscence activities, a playlist for life (individualised music), environmental changes to the home such as lighting or different flooring, aromatherapy, cookery and exercise.
We held an end of project conference attended by 70 people with a learning disabitly, including some with dementia, and family or support staff. 

Findings

Easy read accessible summary

A person-centred approach to implementation of psychosocial interventions with people who have an intellectual disability and dementia- a participatory action study.

Revisiting Photovoice: Perceptions of Dementia among Researchers with Intellectual Disability

This work was supported by an Alzheimer’s Society Implementation Grant.