Engagement in Persons With Dementia: The Concept and Its Measurement

Purpose: The aim of this article is to delineate the underlying premises of the concept of engagement in persons with dementia and present a new theoretical framework, of engagement. Setting/Subjects: The sample included 193 residents of seven Maryland nursing homes. All participants bad a diagnosis of dementia. Methodology: The authors describe a model of factors that affect engagement of persons with dementia. Moreover, the authors present the psychometric qualities of an assessment designed to capture the dimensions of engagement (Observational Measurement of Engagement). Finally, the authors detail plans for future research and data analyses that are currently underway. Discussion: This article lays the foundation for a new theoretical framework concerning the mechanisms of interactions between persons with cognitive impairment and environmental stimuli. Additionally, the study examines what factors are associated with interest and negative and positive feelings in engagement. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2009; 17:299-307)