Many scholars and activists have challenged researchers to do research ‘with’ not ‘for’ or ‘on’ people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Photovoice is a relatively new qualitative methodology that involves giving cameras to participants to record and document their experiences in ways that can create change. In this study, the Photovoice method was used with a group of participants in early stages Alzheimer’s disease to explore the use of Photovoice as a methodology with this population. Specifically, I was hoping to understand how Photovoice could be used as a methodology with this group, and to examine the benefits and challenges of using Photovoice with people with Alzheimer’s disease. This paper discusses some of the practical challenges arising out of using this methodology with people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease as well as some of the issues surrounding research ethics, consent, and capacity.
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