Reading for Pleasure: Public Library Dementia-Friendly Book Groups, a Proposal for a Qualitative Linguistic and Thematic Analysis

Psychosocial interventions that improve the quality of life of people living with dementia are needed. The Recovery Model suggests people living with dementia should be enabled to regain their place in communities through meaningful and destigmatizing activities. Reading fiction is an important leisure activity with multiple health benefits. However, people living with dementia may find accessing and enjoying books difficult because of progressive cognitive impairment. The authors, a psychogeriatrician and an applied linguist, have combined their knowledge to research and produce dementia-friendly books adapted from classic literature. Their qualitative research suggests that sharing a great read at the public library can improve social connection and confidence.