Speech pathology services for primary progressive aphasia: Exploring an emerging area of practice
Conclusion: PPA appears to be an area of under-referral for speech pathologists in NSW. We would like to see increased referrals to speech pathology services and promotion of the role of the speech pathologist on dementia care teams. There is evidence that speech pathology intervention with this population can be effective. It is recommended that intervention targets both impairment and activity-participation levels but also we stress the importance of education and support that is specifically tailored to those with progressive language disorders.
from Aphasiology
Posted on July 29, 2009, in Research and tagged intervention, language, primary progressive aphasia, speech pathology. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
My mother has just been diagnosed with PPA. Could you please direct me to a website which has detailed information about aides to communication. She has difficulty speaking reading and writing but her comprehension still seems good. Is it likely that in 2 years or more after onset of this condition that a more generalised dementia will occur?
This response to your question was kindly provided by Jennifer Zientz, M.S., CCC/SLP, Head of Clinical Services of UT Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth:
Unfortunately I don’t know of any websites with detailed info re: communication aides. I do know from experience that some people do quite well with a Dynavox – I think that’s the company name too – so I would recommend googling that. I would also recommend calling them and seeing about having a meeting to try different machines, if that’s what they decide, b/c I think there are several different kinds. I also know from experience that many people don’t like these superficial ways to communicate and prefer paper and pencil. Something to try if they haven’t already.
Here’s a website about PPA http://www.ftd-picks.org/frontotemporal-dementias/disorders/progressive-aphasia to answer other general questions. Also UCSF has a site – Dr. Bruce Miller directs the center that specializes in FTDs.
Hope this helps!