Libraries across Wales and England to house academic’s research on dementia communication

A book by a Cardiff University expert has been selected as part of The Reading Agency’s Reading Well for dementia collection.

Written by Professor Alison Wray, Why Dementia Makes Communication Difficult is one of 21 chosen by the national charity for its curated collection of books and resources that will be available at all public libraries across Wales and England.

Gaining an understanding of and knowledge about dementia via high-quality, book-based information and advice can play an important role in supporting people affected by dementia, particularly in the context where one in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime.

Professor Wray, based at the University’s School of English, Communication and Philosophy, said: “Dementia is a very complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s experience, with considerable knock-on effects for family members, professional carers and wider society. At the heart of many of these problems is our desire to communicate and connect. When this becomes difficult, people typically feel anxious and frustrated.

“My book offers practical everyday solutions to overcome communication difficulties associated with dementia. I hope that by having these resources freely available at libraries, more people will be able to access the knowledge and support that they need.”

The new collection has been selected and endorsed by health experts, charities and people affected by dementia. It includes essential information and personal accounts to boost understanding of the condition for people living with dementia, along with resources for carers and age-appropriate books for children.

Angela Rippon CBE, award-winning journalist and broadcaster and Reading Well for dementia ambassador says: "I've become very involved in the world of dementia awareness after caring for my late mother who had the disease. I'm delighted The Reading Agency has developed this book collection to encourage people to read about dementia. When my mother developed dementia 20 years ago, I knew very little about it. I needed a great deal of help to learn how to cope and to help my mother live well with the disease. I believe Reading Well for dementia will be a step forward. The books are going to be the catalyst that will bring people together, inform them and educate them to become much more aware and most importantly, less frightened of what a future with dementia holds."

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency said: “The launch of our new book collection is a significant new development of The Reading Agency’s health and wellbeing offer. Written specifically for those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones of all ages, we believe that this unique, new, quality-assured book-based resource available from public libraries could play an important role in supporting the wider community affected by dementia.”