Forgetting things here and there is a natural part of aging. However, when forgetfulness turns into something that affects one’s quality of life, it may be dementia.

It’s mostly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but there are actually various types of dementia, such as Huntington’s disease, vascular dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a term for someone who is suffering from a loss of mental skills affecting their daily life, or cognitive impairment.

It is caused by damage or changes in the brain, and chances of dementia increase as you get older. Symptoms get worse over time, but each person is affected differently.

How Is Communication Impaired in Dementia Patients? 

Communication is one skill that all dementia patients lose to varying degrees. Changes in language can happen in the early stages of dementia.

Early signs of cognitive impairment related to communication include having difficulty telling a coherent story, trouble finding the right words, getting to the point of a story, misunderstanding complex information, and poor decision-making skills.

These issues can lead to a host of issues that can worsen the condition and person’s overall health, as well as place additional stress on the patient’s caregiver(s). Cognitive impairment leads many dementia patients to avoid social situations and compromises their health, independence, and safety.

How Can Communication Skills in Patients With Dementia Be Treated / Improved?

Proper management of communication skills can slow down cognitive changes, so patients can maintain more independence and experience a better quality of life.

Custom cognitive exercises that promote neuroplasticity, or brain health, as well as physical exercise, speech therapy, and caregiver training among other methods help patients suffering from dementia.

Speech therapy helps improve cognitive function, and thus communication, through the use of memory and word-finding strategies.

There is ofen an ongoing need for speech therapy from the early through late stages of the disease. Speech therapy treatment techniques and recommendations are personalized and updated as dementia progresses, to maintain functional independence as long as possible.

Where Can I Get Treatment for Cognitive Communication Impairment for People With Dementia in Maryland?

At Adult Speech Therapy Services, we pair research-based speech therapy specifically for dementia patients with cognitive brain exercises and other individualized treatments to promote wellness, reduce social isolation, and improve overall quality of life. 

Contact us today at 301-323-8486 to schedule an appointment with a specialist to ensure your loved one receives the very best in cognitive communication care through speech therapy and other services!