LAUSR

ABSTRACT Dementia affects cognitive abilities in several ways, memory dysfunction being one of the most common symptoms. Not only does this have implications for the individual diagnosed with dementia, but also for the life shared with others. Spouses in couples share memories and experiences that make up an extensive common ground that constitutes the basis for their interaction. From video-recorded interviews with 12 couples in which one of the spouses is diagnosed with dementia, this study focuses on instances where the spouse with dementia is unable to recollect information that she is presupposed to know, so-called type-1 knowable. Conversation Analysis is used to analyze how the spouses in interaction manage this problem. Two conclusions are argued for: (a) different expectations of what is, or should be, in common ground may cause communicative problems and distress, and (b) spouses without dementia may use fishing techniques as a way of managing problems regarding recalling knowledge. These techniques do not necessarily enable the person with dementia to recall the information; on the contrary they may cause embarrassment for the person with dementia. By adopting a we-perspective approach to service provision, social workers can make a difference for couples and families living with dementia.