SPCH3112

can diagnose dementia

neurologist

gerontologist

stages of assessment for dementia

case history
comprehensive and individualized assessment
Observation with or without conversation/discourse analysis

standardized language assessments for dementia

Sydney Language Battery
Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination
ABCD: Arizona Battery for Cognitive-Communication Disorders–Second Edition (ABCD-2; Bayles & Tomoeda, 1995)

person centred assessment of dementia

Dynamic Assessment

Gather carer / family perspectives

Apply a Social Network analysis

Advocacy: gather PWD persepctives

Facilitate other referrals and/or assessment

raise model of dementia assessment

relationship
assessment approach and type
include opportunities for feedback
support and promote advocacy
evolve assessment over time

considerations for goal setting with people with dementia

maximising functioning in all settings and ICF

maximise quality of life for PWD and their significant others

consider comfort and meaningfulness

personal aims

Eagan’s skilled helper model

1) What is the challenge

2) What would you like to do more of (or communication partner)

3) Brainstorm how to do it

approaches to dementia intervention

Life Participation

Rehabilitation

Reablement

Education

dementia intervention types

Impairment level intervention

Compensatory intervention / strategies

Environment modification

A combination of the above

impairment level interventions for word finding difficulties

lexical retrieval semantic feature analysis (SFA) and AAC

Video sequences

Picture sequences

aims of impairment level interventions for dementia

address word finding difficulties

increase story telling

increase conversation engagement

Increase daily interactions and independence (home and community)

Increase social connections and engagement

features of SFA

Group

Use

Action

Properties

Location

Association

Narrative discourse intervention in aphasia

NARDIA/NARNIA

focus on microstructure and macrostructure

word level

sentence level

discourse level

Reminiscence therapy

aims to stimulate memories, stimulate mental activity, improve wellbeing and often increases communication

improve memory recall, attention, cognitive functioning and quality of life

talking about past experiences

Broad aims for dementia interventions

increase QOL

increase independence

improve relationships

promote dignity

emphasize strengths

aim of spaced retrieval

learn new information

aim of errorless learning

to provide as many cues as needed to help the PWD recall the information/task accurately. No specific number of cues, it what is best for the PWD

compensatory interventions for dementia

CPT - communication partner training

Memory aids - posters, visuals, etc.

Talking mats (AAC)

Legacy creation

aim of DREAM Project

to improve dementia respite care

MESSAGE CPT

Maximize attention

E watch Expression and body language

S keep is Simple

Support their conversation

Assist with visual aids

Get their message

Encourage and Engage

steps in dementia intervention continuum

encourage, complete, refer cognitive screening
contribute to education
communication/swallowing assessment
promote activities to support brain health

support understanding
facilitate rehab/re-enablement
support communication in advanced care planning
support and train care partners
enhance home environment

support care partners

support communication and swallowing end of life
support care partners with non-verbal communication

compensatory interventions for dysphagia in dementia

IDDSI guidelines modifications

Environmental modifications

Positioning

Encourage self-feeding

Offer choice

why promote oral health?

to reduce the impact of aspiration pneumonia

promote safe swallowing with properly fitted dentures

promote self-care routines and independence