Written by: Victoria Pavelko, MS, CCC-SLP

The term “dementia” describes a cluster of symptoms related to memory loss and overall cognitive impairment that is progressive in nature and often irreversible. Dementia has many causes, including:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Multiple Small Strokes
Parkinson’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease
Drug use or interactions
Depression
Brain Tumors
Head Trauma
Alcoholism

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common and well-studied cause, affecting up to 70% of those diagnosed. It is characterized by a gradually worsening cognitive functioning that begins as subtle and occasional memory loss. As it progresses, individuals may experience:

Episodes of confusion
Difficulty on the job
Getting lose in familiar areas
Problems handling personal affairs (finances, housekeeping, grooming, medications)
Depression
Difficulty following directions
Decreased communication skill
Swallow difficulty leading to dehydration and weight loss

Speech pathologists can assist in introducing and implementing behavioral interventions to assist in recalling important information or performing daily activities. We can assist in use of strategies to preserve communication and cognitive function as long as possible. Strategies include using written cues for completing tasks or to assist in memory recall, making memory books to recall personal information, and train family members to facilitate improved communication. Speech pathologists can work with the individual to ensure safe swallowing function by teaching compensatory strategies or altering diet textures. This will enable the patient to meet hydration and nutritional needs with an oral diet while decreasing choking/aspiration pneumonia risk.

The ultimate goal is to preserve the person’s quality of life as long as possible! Consulting a speech language pathologist is one part of achieving that goal.