Descriptive Analysis: Survey of Direct and Indirect Interventions for Persons With Dementia-Based Communication Disorders

Abstract

Results of a survey made available to SIG 2 and SIG 15 affiliates via the SIG listservs revealed information on direct and indirect interventions utilized for persons with dementia-based communication disorders. Fifty-eight practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) participated and reported using the following direct interventions most frequently: specific verbal instruction, cognitive stimulation, memory wallet, spaced retrieval, and errorless learning. The overwhelming majority of participants utilized caregiver training as the most frequent indirect technique. Barriers and facilitators to providing intervention for persons with dementia-related communication disorders were identified.