SpeechPathology.com Phone: 800-242-5183


eLuma Online Therapy - Own Boss - May 2023

Dementia Management: Practical Strategies for the SLP

Dementia Management: Practical Strategies for the SLP
Susan M. Curfman, MA, CCC-SLP
November 1, 2012
Share:

 

This text-based course is a transcript of the live seminar, “Dementia Management:  Practical Strategies for the SLP,” presented by Susan Curfman, M.A., CCC-SLP.

>>  Susan Curfman:  I think that dementia management as a speech pathologist is sometimes difficult for us.  It is a population we know we can serve.  It is a population we know that we have skill sets to make a difference not only in helping that individual be more successful, but to help the team and the family who are in the position of caregiver, and supporting them to make life a better experience.  That is our goal for today.

Program Objectives

  • Define the key guidelines for a diagnosis of dementia as differentiated from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), depression and delirium.
  • Describe three types of memory and memory impairments with dementia because the memory that we can access through spaced retrieval is one of the key elements that make a skilled procedure for us. 
  • Outline the deficits and functional abilities of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for each of the three stages (mild, moderate and severe).
  • List 10 different strategies and techniques for improving functional abilities for communication, swallowing and general activities of daily living.
  • Design a skilled treatment program for a patient with dementia with functional and measurable goals and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Train innovative communication techniques for other health care professionals, including Physical and Occupational Therapists, to unlock the communication barrier and elicit desired outcomes.

Diagnosis of Dementia Guidelines

When you look at the definition of dementia, it is not a specific disease, but a group of symptoms that last six months or longer.  It has occurred from a higher level of function and the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with the usual activities in daily life.  It also affects more than one of the following four core cognitive domains.  When you look at the more recent literature, and this has changed in the last three years, the four core cognitive domains they consider are recent memory, language (either comprehension or expression), visual spatial ability, and executive function which comes under abstract reasoning, problem solving, and focus despite distractions (i.e. the ability to zero in on the task at hand and block out distractions).  We will start to see that minimize and go away even in MCI. 

Symptoms of Dementia

There are many symptoms of dementia and they can vary depending upon the type of dementia.  There are over 70 different types of dementia.  The most common signs and symptoms include:

  • Memory loss (this is the most classic symptom)
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Inability to learn or remember new information
  • Difficulty with planning and organizing
  • Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
  • Personality changes
  • Inability to reason
  • Inappropriate behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Agitation
  • Hallucination

The last three symptoms may be a prevalent feature or may be a later stage feature depending on which form of dementia they do have. 


susan m curfman

Susan M. Curfman, MA, CCC-SLP

Sue Curfman has been in the field of healthcare for 30 years with experience across the continuum of care including acute hospital, inpatient rehab, home health, outpatient and skilled nursing.  She is a speech pathologist by training and serves as the Assistant Vice President for Post Acute Services at Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, IL. She is responsible for the clinical, operational and fiscal management of inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, home health, hospice, adult day care and outpatient therapy services.  Sue also holds certificates in Case Management and Quality Management.

The presenter has no financial considerations or relationships with any products related to this presentation.



Related Courses

Behavioral Frameworks for Dementia Management
Presented by Mary Beth Mason, PhD, CCC-SLP, Robert W. Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP
Video
Course: #9473Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course will focus on cognitive-communication intervention strategies for various dementia presentations and will provide a review of evidence-based treatment. Behavioral frameworks along with their rationales will be introduced and applied across several dementia types and mild, moderate and severe levels of impairment.

Dysphagia in Neurodegenerative Disease
Presented by Debra M. Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Video
Course: #9732Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Dysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.

Best Practice for Assessment and Treatment of Bilingual Aphasia
Presented by Maria Muñoz, PhD, CCC-SLP
Video
Course: #9759Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
This course focuses on best practice in the assessment and treatment of bilingual aphasia by speech-language pathologists. Recommended practices are contrasted against common mistakes made by clinicians working with bilingual patients with aphasia. Implementation of best practices are modeled through case studies.

Social Isolation and COVID-19 Cognitive Decline: From Zero to Hero!
Presented by Amber B. Heape, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CMD, CMDCP
Video
Course: #9514Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Social distancing and isolation associated with the COVID-10 pandemic have begun to take a toll on patients in residential settings, but SLPs can help mitigate the long-term consequences. This course will discuss the risk factors for and effects of isolation, as well as potential strategies to prevent or reverse pandemic-related cognitive decline.

Brain Health Basics: Strategies for SLPs to Support Healthy Aging for Adult Patients
Presented by Megan L. Malone, MA, CCC-SLP, Jennifer Loehr, MA, CCC-SLP
Video
Course: #9785Level: Introductory1 Hour
This Back to Basics course focuses on the preventative aspect of improving brain health with adult patients, with emphasis on elements that SLPs can target during instruction or counseling aspects of patient treatment and caregiver support. Additional information is provided on advocacy for these services and community outreach to organizations working with older adults.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.