So what is Dementia? Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a set of symptoms that may accompany certain other diseases. Dementia affects a variety of cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and visual perception. This accumulation of symptoms often leads to impaired judgment, disorientation, and even depression. Speech therapy is a great way for patients to maintain a level of independence for longer. It helps stimulate cognitive ability through activities related to the underlying cognitive domain. Individuals working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) learn how to compensate for their memory and other cognitive issues. They learn to modify their environment, which is crucial. This helps them adapt to the ongoing cognitive changes caused by dementia. Many dementia patients also rely on the use of memory books and other types of external memory aids. There are many different memory regurgitation techniques such as: - Spaced retrieval is a therapeutic technique, or modality, that utilizes high repetition with minimal variation to access motor/procedural learning to facilitate recall of facts or strategies. The goal is accurate recall of information over progressively longer periods of time - Errorless learning is a method that aims to prevent patients from giving wrong answers. It is a type of shaping and is based on a very frequent repetition of the “question” and the correct “answer” In most cases, dementia starts with memory loss. As time goes by, other signs and symptoms develop, including but not limited to: - distraction - forgetfulness and confusion - problems setting goals and making plans - problems following conversations - trouble telling others what they want and need - personality changes - depression - trouble eating and swallowing Testing for Dementia See a doctor if you have concerns about a loved one or about yourself. The doctor will run tests to see if there is another cause for the problems you’ve noticed. See an audiologist for hearing testing. Hearing problems can make a person seem confused. Hearing loss may also put a person at risk for dementia. An SLP can test speech, language, and thinking skills. The goal of treatment is to maintain quality of life of the person with dementia for as long as possible. Treatment for memory and other thinking skills can help. This is true early on, and it also may help as the dementia gets worse.