Dementia is rapidly becoming a prominent public health issue, with its prevalence in the Australian population predicted to rise by 251% in 2050 (Jorm, Dear & Burgess, 2005). “Dementia” is a generic psychological term used to describe the gradual decline in cognitive functioning which, in turn, causes a decline in many everyday functions (Rabins, Lyketsos & Steele, 2006). This decline in everyday functions includes a decline in language skills and consequently, communication (Thompson, 1987; 2008). There is a growing recognition that many of the everyday difficulties associated with caring for individuals with dementia are linked to these communication difficulties
