SLHS 580: 11/13 “Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Dementia” Part 2

With the progression of Alzheimer’s, what deterioration of language and communication might be displayed?

Past the moderate stage, there is a deterioration of syntax, articulation, vocal quality, highly practiced skills (reading/writing)

• Incoherence

• Rapid echolalia (repetition)

Which of these is not a risk factor of AD?

A) Frequent use of code-switching

B) Past history of head injury

C) Poor cardiovascular health

D) Untreated hearing loss

A)

Protective Factor

Preventative

Is Alzheimer’s affected by environmental factors?

Likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors

What is one of the top risk factors for dementia?

Untreated hearing loss: might be because of social isolation, cognitive strain/overload

—> still need more research to understand why

What language factors can predict a person’s likelihood to develop Alzheimer’s?

• Individuals who use multi-syllabic words, lower-frequency words, and higher idea densities were less likely to develop AD

What is early onset Alzheimer’s caused by?

It is caused by genetic mutation.

What is late onset Alzheimer’s caused by?

APOE is a risk-factor gene.

What is an established biomarker (predictor) of heart disease?

Cholesterol

AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

A country-wide initiative to identify biomarkers by developing imaging to see what is happening inside the brain.

• Structural imaging

• Functional imaging

• Molecular imaging

PiB

Radiotracer that binds to amyloid plaques can be seen on PET scan.

The presence of beta amyloid protein in the brain can be detected with the following type of neuroimaging:

A. Structural Imaging

B. Functional Imaging

C. Molecular Imaging

C. Molecular Imaging (ex. PET scans)

Do SLP seek to give restitutive treatment or compensation treatment to individuals with AD?

Compensation (with skills they already have)

How is functional communication affected by dementia? How is functional communication affected by Aphasia?

Dementia: Functional communication is gradually lost (ex. I want to go to the bathroom, I want to eat, etc.)

Aphasia: Functional communication is effective (although they might not be able to find the exact words, they cognitively know what they are trying to say) —> can be through gestures