Being able to communicate is necessary to being able to carry out daily tasks as well as for social interaction. While language and speech therapy has been used to treat those with brain injuries or who have suffered a stroke, the benefits of this therapy have recently also extended to Alzheimer’s patients.
The Goals Of Language And Speech Therapy:
The goal of language and speech therapy is to improve Alzheimer’s patients’ current function as much as possible, as well as to work on lost functions and to teach coping skills in order for patients to manage their disease as effectively as possible. This means addressing memory loss problems and other cognitive deficits. In this way, language and speech therapy does not only mean working on speech-related issues, but also on stimulating the brain so that language skills, including memory, are improved as well. In fact, someone with Alzheimer’s may speak just fine. Speech and language pathologists also offer individualized therapy specific to those with Alzheimer’s disease. This is important because research is increasingly showing that Alzheimer’s patients benefit from specific treatments.
How Speech And Language Therapy Addresses Memory Loss:
There are three big problems that are associated with memory loss, including a sense of isolation because they may skip events due to their fear of not remembering things. In addition, they feel anxious and other negative feelings regarding a lack of purpose in their life, as well as a loss of dignity. Speech and language therapy can help give Alzheimer’s patients the tools to address these challenges.
Speech and language therapy can also include family members, teaching them how to increase the chances that fond memories and positive emotions will occur.
Other Benefits Of Language And Speech Therapy In Alzheimer’s Patients
Language and speech therapy also focuses on appropriate swallowing, something that becomes a problem in the later stages of the disease. This is important because weight loss and problems with swallowing are two major problems that are associated with death.
Lastly, not only does this type of therapy improve one’s ability to communicate, but studies have also shown that it may slow down the progression of the disease. It also does this without medication, which often has negative side effects.
Overall, patients who receive language and speech therapy have shown to be able to understand their language much better, particularly those in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s patients can greatly benefit from personalized care. C-Care Health Services offers a variety of affordable, personalized and high quality services. Contact us today for more.
