Use and Perceived Effectiveness of Communication Modes Reported by Persons With Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Purpose: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical neurodegenerative dementia syndrome characterized by early, selective, and progressive language impairment. PPA onset is gradual, providing time to potentially identify additional or alternative expressive communication modes; however, reports of communication mode use and effectiveness by persons with PPA have not been described. This study characterized the use, frequency, and perceived effectiveness of communication modes reported by individuals with PPA.

Communication Partner Engagement: A Relevant Factor for Functional Outcomes in Speech-Language Therapy for Aphasic Dementia.

Objectives: Previous reports established the feasibility of a telehealth model for delivering speech-language therapy via Internet videoconferencing, which connects individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) to an expert speech and language pathologist for treatment. This study reports feasibility of the same telehealth intervention in a larger set of progressive aphasia participants and explores factors potentially influencing functional intervention outcomes.

Methods: Participants with PPA or progressive aphasia in the context of a neurodegenerative dementia syndrome and their communication partners were enrolled into an 8-session intervention, with 3 evaluations (baseline, 2 months, and 6 months postenrollment).

A Life Participation Approach to Primary Progressive Aphasia Intervention.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical neurodegenerative dementia syndrome characterized by deficits in spoken and written word retrieval, word usage, and/or word comprehension. Currently, there are no effective treatments to reverse or halt the underlying disease process; however, speech-language therapy may be helpful. The Communication Bridge Care Model was developed to address the unique communication and quality of life needs of individuals living with PPA.

Communication Bridge: A pilot feasibility study of Internet-based speech-language therapy for individuals with progressive aphasia.

Introduction: Individuals with aphasia symptoms due to neurodegenerative dementia are under-referred for speech-language therapy (SLT) services. We sought to determine the feasibility of utilizing telepractice, via Internet video conferencing, to connect an individual with progressive aphasia due to dementia to a speech-language pathologist for treatment.

Methods: Participants received an Initial Evaluation, 8 person-centered Internet-based SLT sessions and two Post-Therapy Evaluations.

Developing Personally Relevant Goals for People with Moderate to Severe Dementia.

Many speech-language pathologists work in the skilled nursing facility setting and have a growing number of patients with moderate to severe dementia on their caseloads. Traditional rehabilitation interventions are often not appropriate for people with dementia due to the severity of their cognitive impairment and the progressive nature of dementia. Whereas a rehabilitation approach focuses on deficits (so they can be improved), a habilitation approach focuses on what strengths remain and who the patient is as a person.

Developing Personally Relevant Goals for People with Mild Dementia.

Many speech-language pathologists work in the skilled nursing facility setting and frequently treat patients in subacute rehabilitation who are experiencing mild cognitive deficits as a result of dementia. Treatment of these individuals needs to be carefully differentiated from rehabilitative treatment of a stroke or traumatic brain injury. A "habilitation" approach should be considered, focusing on an individual's preserved strengths and developing patient-centered goals that focus upon the integration of personally relevant stimuli into the care plan.

The CARE pathway model for dementia: psychosocial and rehabilitative strategies for care in young-onset dementias.

The goal of the Care Pathway Model for Dementia (CARE-D) is to improve quality of life and daily functioning both for individuals diagnosed with dementia and for their families or other caregivers. This is accomplished by developing individualized recommendations focused on a person's strengths and weaknesses as determined by formal neurocognitive and psychosocial evaluations. Careful attention is given to the stage of illness and an individual's stage in life, to connecting families with services that target an individual's cognitive and behavioral symptoms, and to providing education and emotional support specific to symptoms, clinical diagnosis, and prognosis.

Thinking Outside the Stroke: Treating Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).

In this article, we explore the symptoms, cause, treatment potential, and supportive services for individuals diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Although it is possible to regain certain cognitive abilities with stroke or brain injury, in PPA, language abilities worsen and other symptoms emerge with time, shortening the lifespan. The goal of speech therapy for PPA is not to regain lost language, but rather to maximize communication for as long as possible.