Adult Language Disorders part 2

TBI

An alteration in brain function caused by an external force

How often does a brain injury occur in the US

Every 9 seconds

Open TBI

Object enters the brain, damage is concentrated along the path of the object (gunshot, military injury)

Closed TBI

Blow or jolt of the head that causes the brain to slosh and rotate inside the skull (car accident, fall, etc.)

What are the cognitive signs and symptoms of a TBI

Brain fog, memory issues, slowed processing

What are the physical signs and symptoms of a TBI

Headaches, dizzy, light sensitivity, nausea

What are the communication signs and symptoms of a TBI

Slurred speech, word finding, and difficulty following a conversation

What are the emotional signs and symptoms of a TBI

Mood swings, anxiety, anger, and depression

Mild TBI

Unconscious for less than 30 min. Most TBIs are categorized as mild since they are not life threatening, but can still change how a person communicates for months or even years. Symptoms are often INVISIBLE

Severe TBI

Coma lasting longer than 6 hours

The 80/20 rule

80% of mild TBI symptoms typically clear within 2-4 weeks, 20% involve cases where symptoms persist

Post concussive syndrome

When symptoms last for months/years

Second impact syndrome

Occurs when a second injury happens before the first has healed

Dementia

Umbrella term for a collection of symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life

Alzheimers

The most common type of dementia (60-80% of cases)

How does dementia occur?

There is a build up of plaque and tangles in the brain

What is plaque

Clumps of protein between nerve cells that blocks signals

What are tangles

Twisted fibers within cells that destroy internal structures

How can SLPs help patients with dementia

Address cognitive skills, address dysphagia, refer to audiologist, and counsel families

Why is a concussion a mild traumatic brain injury?

It involves temporary disruption of brain function due to an external force that shook the brain

How is Dementia and Alzheimers different then typical aging?

In typical aging someone may forget the day and then later remember. In dementia or alzheimers one may lose track of the season

What are the 14 modifiable risk factors of dementia?

Physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol, air pollution, head injury, infrequent social contact, less education, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, hearing impairment, high LDL cholesterol, vision loss

What role does music play with people with dementia

Since our memories of music are so deeply rooted in our memory, it can trigger memories through emotional connection. This can improve mood, foster communication, and strengthen relationships between patients and caregivers

What does the term AAC describe

Describes the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language

Augmentative communication

Supplement or adds to verbal and nonverbal communication

Alternative Communication

For persons with no verbal and minimal nonverbal output

How many people (in the world and US) use AAC

97 million people worldwide, 5 million Americans

Examples of developmental need for AAC

Intellectual disability, down syndrome, autism, developmental apraxia of speech, and cerebral palsy

Examples of acquired need for AAC

Stroke, TBI, spinal cord injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

What are examples of unaided techniques

Manual sign, speech approximations, gestures + eye gaze

What are examples of aided techniques

COmmunication boards, speech generating devices, mobile devices

What does ‘no tech’ refer to when talking about AAC

Unaided communication. No additional tools or tech needed, requires only the use of body

What does ‘light tech’ refer to when talking about AAC

Aided communication. Utilizes various symbols/tools which do not require electronics

What does ‘mid tech’ refer to when talking about AAC

Voice output communication aids. Typically battery operated with a static non-charging display, simpler functions, and recorded voice output

What does ‘high tech’ refer to when talking about AAC

A dynamic, changing display using a computerized screen. Typically utilizes computer generated voice output, and requires a power source

What is core vocab?

80% of the words we use each day

If you can ____, you can _____!

spell, say anything you want

What is the goal of using AAC?

Enable individuals to efficiently and effectively engage in a variety of interactions and participate in activities of their choice

What are the 5 purposes that these communication interactions fulfill

Needs/wants, information transfer, social closeness, social etiquette, internal dialogue