Direct and Indirect Interventions for Cognitive-Communication Disorders of Dementia

The dementia syndrome is characterized by cognitive and behavioral deficits that affect daily life functioning, including communication. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will see increased numbers of adults with dementia in the coming years, as the incidence and prevalence of diseases that cause dementia continue to grow. In this article, the authors provide an update on the syndrome of dementia and its most common cause, Alzheimer's disease. A framework for interventions is provided, along with a discussion of research evidence for specific treatment techniques. The article concludes with case studies of person-centered assessment and intervention for individuals with mild and moderate dementia severity.