Hidden Voices: Creative Research Methods in Dementia

This scoping review examines how creative, arts‑based, and sensory research methods are used to support the participation of people living with dementia or cognitive impairment. Traditional research approaches often rely on verbal communication and can unintentionally exclude individuals with cognitive or communicative challenges. Creative methods such as drawing, music-making, storytelling, walking interviews, and sensory ethnography, offer more inclusive and relational ways to access lived experience, yet their rationale and implementation are inconsistently reported in the literature. Using the PRISMA‑ScR framework and PICOS criteria, this review will map qualitative and mixed‑methods studies that employ creative or arts‑based approaches with adults living with dementia or cognitive impairment. Data will be analysed using thematic synthesis to identify methodological patterns, ethical considerations, and gaps in reporting. The findings will inform the design of the empirical phase of a PhD project, guiding the selection and adaptation of inclusive, context‑sensitive research methods.