Author: Claire Wood       Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders 

Claire Wood showing the final draft of her thesis presentation after it was submitted for the research symposium.

My name is Claire Wood. I am a senior in the college of Education and Health Professions majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This research was conducted alongside my mentor, Associate Professor of the Rehab, Human Resources, and Communication Sciences and Disorders department, Dr. Fran Hagstrom. Dr. Hagstrom and I received initial funding for this project in the fall of 2020, so this will be our second and final semester of funding. I plan to attend Texas Christian University this fall to continue my education in the TCU Speech-Language Pathology master’s program.

This research was conducted to better understand the caregiver’s experience as he or she navigates the unknowns of a caring for someone who suffers from early-onset dementia. Socially situated self-other identity and attachment are two key components of relationships. Understanding how these two impact the relationship between the caregiver and the patient with dementia (PWD) can help clinicians with quality-of-life goal setting.

Real World Application

 Early-onset dementia is diagnosed when an individual becomes symptomatic prior to the age of 65. Therefore, these individuals are typically pre-retirement age, and hopeful of leading fulfilled lives while enjoying the fruits of a lifetime of work. With early onset dementia the loss of cognitive functioning is profound. It forces entire families to change routine. Caregivers often experience loss both first-hand and second-hand. As a result, it is imperative that clinicians can best help caregivers and PWD’s alike increase quality of life throughout this dramatic shift.

 Research Experience

In the Spring of 2019, the Communication Sciences and Disorders honors students took a course, taught by Dr. Hagstrom, that introduced each of us to the process of writing and understanding research. Within this course, Dr. Hagstrom planned for CDIS faculty, who were doing research at the time, to present their research interests and current studies to students. During that meeting, I became fascinated with doing research on early-onset dementia.

Dr. Hagstrom has been immensely helpful in completing this study. In helping define the parameters of the project, she zeroed in on one of the most important but overlooked members of the patient’s care team—the primary caregiver. In addition, she was able to unearth important, additive research, serve as editor-in-chief, and provide general guidance to me throughout the process. I am forever indebted to her for her investment in me. This research was done alongside two of my classmates, Benjamin Wright and Annabelle Linker, both of whom were extremely valuable. Each week, Dr. Hagstrom would invite us to meet virtually as a team to be a sounding board for each other. Receiving feedback from my team members and understanding different perspectives made researching for the honors college a rich experience.

The Coronavirus pandemic marginally impacted my research experience. Through platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, my research team was still able to conduct weekly meetings to discuss progress and ask questions. Additionally, I was able to complete my research as planned given that all the necessary materials were publicly available online. However, the COIVD-19 pandemic did prevent the national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference from being conducted. As a result, students and staff alike were unable to attend the 2020 conference.

Research Reflection

The physical, mental, and emotional demand on caregivers is often times overlooked. Providing care for a loved one suffering from early onset dementia is not a clock-in and clock-out job. I have learned that caregiving for a person with dementia is incredibly unique as the caregiver continues to experience loss from the diagnosis until the person with dementia’s death. Caregivers are forced to discover a life without the partnership of a spouse, sibling, mother, or significant other, all while simultaneously providing care for the patient. To assist the caregiver and patient, clinicians must provide realistic goals to enhance the quality of life for both.

As a future clinician, this research has impacted me immensely. Though educating and implementing therapy are two components of being a speech-language pathologist, counseling a family and providing support separates the average clinician from those who make the most impact. I I want to be a clinician that lightens my clients’ heavy loads and provide intentional encouragement throughout times of difficulty.

Future Plans

My time at the University of Arkansas has come to an end. Within the next month, I plan to submit my research to the University of Arkansas Scholar Works. Upon completing this submission, I will have fulfilled all the necessary requirements for the University of Arkansas Honors College. I am honored to have officially accepted a position in the master’s program at Texas Christian University. This program will begin in the fall of 2021 and end in the spring of 2023. My goal is to become a practicing clinician and ultimately teach undergraduate students.