18 March 2013

Stories and Embodied Memories in Dementia


When: Tuesday 16th April 2013, 2 – 3pm
Where: London Knowledge Lab, 23-29 Emerald Street, London WC1N 3QS

Linköping University, Sweden & Center for Dementia Research (CEDER)

A MODE & NOVELLA collaboration

Couples that have been married for many years tend to develop shared memories of their life together. These memories form an important part of their identities. When one spouse develops Alzheimer’s disease this also implies memory problems. As a consequence the couple’s shared memories as well as their identities are at risk. We asked couples with dementia to jointly tell their story of their relationship, from when it started and up to the present. The interview was video recorded and used for analysis. We have been interested in the various ways the couples deal with their shared memories especially when one spouse “forgets” their life together. A close analysis of the video taped interaction shows that the couples use their bodies as communicative and interactive resources and also make use of embodied memories that may be enacted in the storytelling situation.

About the speaker
Lars-Christer Hydén received his PhD in Psychology from Stockholm University, Sweden. His current position is as full professor of Social Psychology at Linköping University, Sweden, and as director of Center for Dementia Research (CEDER). His research primarily concerns how people with Alzheimer’s disease and their significant others interact and use language – especially narrative – as a way to sustain and negotiate identity and a sense of self.

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