Cognitive Disorders affecting communication can include issues such as attention to task (distractibility), memory problems, problem-solving, executive functions, and safety awareness. These deficits are often seen following a stroke, head injury/post-concussion syndrome, or anoxic event (oxygen deprivation), and can affect the patient’s ability to live independently and/or to return to their former occupation. Prairie Rehab’s Speech Pathologists/SLPs are trained in evaluating specific cognitive/communicative disorders in order to set up a treatment plan that is patient-driven and unique to that individual’s needs. If you are looking for a care provider for a loved one, look no further than Prairie Rehab! Schedule an appointment in West Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, Tea, Worthington Avera, Worthington Oxford, Brandon, , Hartford, or Central Sioux Falls today!
Cognitive Linguistic Deficits may also result from Dementia. Prairie Rehab’s Speech Therapists are all trained in Dementia Care and work closely with other disciplines (e.g., OT, PT, Nursing, and family) to ensure the individual is functioning at their highest level of independence. These therapy sessions often take place wherever the individual resides, such as in their house, an assisted living community, or a senior living community. Therapy sessions in their place of residence are used to enhance functional skills in their home environment. Typically, the patient’s goal is to “age in place”, so as not to leave their current home environment. Speech therapy can often help facilitate this aim.
About Dementia
Dementia causes memory loss and other thinking problems that make it hard for the person to remember important information, solve problems, or plan their day. Everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking medicine, and paying bills may be affected.
Most types of dementia get worse over time and do not have a cure. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
Signs and Symptoms
In most cases, dementia starts with memory loss. As time goes by, other signs and symptoms develop, including
- distraction;
- forgetfulness and confusion;
- problems setting goals and making plans;
- problems following conversations;
- trouble telling others what they want and need;
- personality changes;
- depression; and
- trouble eating and swallowing.
By the final stages, people with dementia may not be able to feed themselves, walk alone, or speak clearly.
Causes
Dementia itself is not a disease. Different brain diseases often cause dementia. Some of the conditions that can cause dementia include
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- multiple small strokes;
- Lewy body dementia;
- frontotemporal lobar degeneration;
- Parkinson’s disease; and
- Huntington’s disease.
Infections and reactions to a medicine can cause symptoms that are like dementia. These symptoms may go away after treatment.
Seeing a Professional
Testing for Dementia
See a doctor if you have concerns about a loved one or about yourself. The doctor will run tests to see if there is another cause for the problems you’ve noticed. See an audiologist for hearing testing. Hearing problems can make a person seem confused. Hearing loss may also put a person at risk for dementia.
Prairie Rehab’s Speech Therapists can test speech, language, and thinking skills. They can also look at eating and swallowing functions if those become a problem.
Treatment for People with Dementia
The goal of treatment is to maintain quality of life of the person with dementia and for their caregivers.
Certain medicines can slow down dementia, but they do not make it go away. Treatment for memory and other thinking skills can help. This is true early on, and it also may help as the dementia gets worse.
A Speech Therapist can help a person with dementia stay as independent as possible. Some strategies we may teach a person with dementia and their caregivers include practicing learning important information; using written words or pictures to help carry out tasks; making “memory books” to help remember personal information; and training family members and caregivers on how to communicate better with the person with dementia.
The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) also can work with a person with dementia to make sure they can eat safely. This may include eating different types of foods or eating in different ways. Family members and caregivers can support the person with dementia to make sure they eat enough.
Tips for Talking with People Who Have Dementia
You can help a person with dementia by doing the following things:
- Repeating key information to help them stay focused.
- Speaking slowly and clearly.
- Giving choices instead of asking open-ended questions. For example, ask, “Would you like coffee or tea?” instead of “What do you want to drink?”
- Keeping information and questions short and simple.
- Using written words or pictures to help with tasks. For example, post pictures that show how to get dressed, or write down the steps for how to prepare a simple meal.
- Reminding the person about appointments or when to take medicine.
Family members and other caregivers may want to join a support group. Support groups can offer ways to handle the stress of caring for someone with dementia. Adult daycare centers or services can also be helpful. They can give the person with dementia good care while allowing family and caregivers to take some time for themselves.
Contact Prairie Rehabilitation today in West Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, Tea, Worthington Avera, Worthington Oxford, Brandon, , Hartford, or Central Sioux Falls for Speech Therapy today.
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