AAC Strategies and Tools for Persons With Dementia
By Bourgeois, Michelle; Fried-Oken, Melanie; Rowland, Charity; ASHA Leader, pp. 8-11Publication Date: March 16, 2010
Article discusses the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and strategies to support memory and communication participation of persons with dementia. AAC tools discussed include memory wallets and books, personalized reminiscence photo videos, digital voice output reminders to perform activities of daily living such as washing hands and brushing teeth, and the use of cell phone functions such as the calendar to keep track of appointments and a preprogrammed signal as a reminder to take medications. The article points out that AAC success is more likely if the individual’s own strategy ideas are used, and if the strategies capitalize on previous experiences and cognitive strengths. The role of caregivers as crucial partners for the success of AAC intervention is outlined, including the possible need of specific training to learn positive interaction styles and cueing strategies. Speech language pathologists are advised to write communication goals that measure improvement in participation of daily events when AAC is used. Finally, future trends in intervention for people with dementia are discussed.
Published by: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Website:http://www.asha.org)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J58734
