Alzheimer's Alternative Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices Used to Support Conversation in

Alzheimer’s Patients

Kacey Faul

Southern University A&M College

Spring 2015

Submitted to Dr. Regina Enwefa in fulfillment for the QEP/EBP paper

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Review of Literature 2

Summary 4

Limitations 5

Reflections 6

PowerPoint 7

References 8

Resources 9

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2015), it is a neurological disease that includes a lapse in memory loss, attention, problem solving, and language skills. Alzheimer’s is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who examined the

The caregivers have to learn cueing strategies to encourage positive interactions styles with their loved ones, as well as using cues to help them access the information that is needed. Although technology is becoming a large involvement in individuals every day lives, they are rarely considered for persons with dementia. Another limitation is that because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease, meaning the individuals abilities are constantly changing, the tools used to facilitate communication one month may not be helpful the next month. This provides a limitation because not only do professionals have to provide continuous follow up on these individuals, but they also have to rely on caregivers to give them pertinent information about their loved ones recent changes and abilities noticed in their daily

Speech – language pathologists play a large role in screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of persons with dementia (ASHA). SLPs should have knowledge and skills in both communication and cognition because these areas are affected in individuals with Alzheimer’s. ASHA also states that because most diseases associated with dementia are progressive, SLPs have the ethical responsibility to provide appropriate services that benefit the individual while maximizing cognitive – communication functioning at all stages of the disease process.

What did you learn from this assignment?

From this assignment I learned that not all AAC devices have to include technology. I learned that Alzheimer’s disease is unique and constantly changing as the individual moves from stage to stage in the disease. I also learned that for the individual to be successful using an AAC device it requires a great deal of involvement from the caregivers. Another thing I learned is that because the caregivers are such an important part in the success of intervention in this population, it is important that we as professionals develop a relationship with the caregivers so they feel comfortable talking to us and providing us with the information we need to better intervention