TalkBank

DementiaBank

This page provides information about the DementiaBank Standard Discourse Protocol. It is important to administer the whole protocol if possible and adhere to the instructions and script. The materials are configured to permit several different administration scenarios or formats which we outline here. Additional formats are also possible. Choose the administration option that works best for your own situation and your participants.

For clinicians who want use this protocol, these articles can be useful: overview, discourse assessment, and discourse analysis without transcription.

For help transcribing language samples in CHAT format, see the SLP's Guide to CLAN.

1. Teletesting using the DementiaBank website

In this scenario, the investigator and the participant are engaged in a teletesting meeting through Zoom or other videoconferencing software, and the protocol is administered using the DementiaBank website.

• The session should be recorded (locally, not on the cloud) for later analysis and transcription.
• The investigator has one desktop window open with the web-based instructions and script.
• The investigator has a second window open with the pictures for the participant to describe.

2. Teletesting using PowerPoint (PPT)

In this scenario, the investigator and the participant are engaged in a teletesting meeting through Zoom or other videoconferencing software, and the protocol is administered using PowerPoint.

• The session should be recorded for later analysis and transcription.
• The investigator has a desktop window open with the PPT dementia-1 version with the investigator's script in the "Notes" section below each stimulus picture.
• The investigator moves through the instructions until reaching the "picture descriptions" segment of the protocol. Options for showing the picture stimuli to the participant include the following:
  • using "presenter mode" on PPT to share only the pictures with the participant while still being able to read the script in the "Notes" section;
  • using the web-based pictures and sharing only that portion of the screen; or
  • downloading PPT pictures prior to testing and sharing only that portion of the screen.

3. Local Administration

In this scenario, the investigator and the participant are in the same room. The session should be videorecorded for later transcription and analysis. The investigator views and follows the instructions as in #2. The participant can view the pictures on paper (see Protocol Materials below), or on the investigator's shared screen, or on a separate computer. If the participant uses a separate computer, they can use the web-based pictures or the downloaded PPT pictures.

Protocol Materials

Click here to see and/or download all instructions and materials for administering the protocol and associated tests to older adults.

IRB Considerations

These administration options may require that you submit an addendum with modifications to your existing IRB or plan ahead if you have not yet submitted. For example:

• Consider how you will get a signed informed consent form from the participant and be sure to get verbal consent on the recording.
• If recording in Zoom or some other format, be sure the file is recorded locally and not on the cloud.