Abstract
Individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their caregivers are at risk
for decreased quality of life (QoL) due to their progressive condition. Aphasia camps
are an intervention that can improve QoL, yet individuals with PPA are underrepresented
at aphasia camps relative to those with poststroke aphasia. The purpose of this exploratory
case study was to examine the effect of participation in aphasia camp on the QoL of
a couple impacted by PPA. The Living with Aphasia: Framework for Outcome Measurement
(A-FROM) was used to guide a semistructured interview with an individual with PPA
and her spouse, both of whom had attended the Alberta Aphasia Camp for 4 years. Conventional
content analysis with an inductive approach was used to analyze results. Concepts
that emerged from the interview were organized into pre-camp, during, and post-camp
categories. Aspects of camp that had an effect on post-camp QoL for this couple with
PPA included expanding social connections and introduction to new activities. Personal
characteristics exhibited by the couple had an impact on their experience of aphasia
camp and how they incorporated their experiences into their everyday lives post-camp.
Aphasia camps are a participation-based service approach that can benefit people with
aphasia regardless of etiology. A consideration of personal factors of potential campers
with PPA, and the provision of PPA-specific resources, is recommended for programs
such as aphasia camps that incorporate participants with mixed etiologies.
Keywords
PPA - quality of life - aphasia camp - LPAA
