Anna Volkmer1, Aimee Spector2, Vanessa Meitanis1, Jason D Warren3, Suzanne Beeke1. 1. Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Language and Cognition, UCL, London, UK. 2. Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK. 3. Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology & The National Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract
Objectives: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a language led dementia characterised by progressive speech and language difficulties. Impairment focused PPA interventions that seek to remediate, alleviate or improve symptoms, dominate the research literature. Yet speech and language therapists (SLTs) report prioritising functional communication interventions (FCIs), which target engagement in an activity and participation in life situations. This systematic review investigates the research literature on FCIs for PPA to identify the key components of these interventions and their effectiveness.Method: A systematic search of databases identified 19 studies published between 1998 and 2018. Data were extracted from the articles using the Intervention Taxonomy adaptation (ITAX). Results: Results show that the two most common components of FCIs are to build on communication strategies people currently use, and to practise these strategies with a communication partner. There are variations in the interventions, such as location and dosage. All 19 studies report improvements, of which eight report statistically significant results. Forty-two different measures are used across the 19 studies. Conclusion: This study highlights that building on existing strategies and practising these with a CP, are key components of FCIs for people with PPA, yet there remains a lack of clarity around optimal dosage. Further rigorous research using a core set of outcome measures is a priority in this area.
Objectives: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a language led dementia characterised by progressive speech and language difficulties. Impairment focused PPA interventions that seek to remediate, alleviate or improve symptoms, dominate the research literature. Yet speech and language therapists (SLTs) report prioritising functional communication interventions (FCIs), which target engagement in an activity and participation in life situations. This systematic review investigates the research literature on FCIs for PPA to identify the key components of these interventions and their effectiveness.Method: A systematic search of databases identified 19 studies published between 1998 and 2018. Data were extracted from the articles using the Intervention Taxonomy adaptation (ITAX). Results: Results show that the two most common components of FCIs are to build on communication strategies people currently use, and to practise these strategies with a communication partner. There are variations in the interventions, such as location and dosage. All 19 studies report improvements, of which eight report statistically significant results. Forty-two different measures are used across the 19 studies. Conclusion: This study highlights that building on existing strategies and practising these with a CP, are key components of FCIs for people with PPA, yet there remains a lack of clarity around optimal dosage. Further rigorous research using a core set of outcome measures is a priority in this area.
Entities:
Keywords:
Systematic review; functional communication; intervention; primary progressive aphasia; speech and language therapy
Authors: Kristin M Schaffer; William S Evans; Christina D Dutcher; Christina Philburn; Maya L Henry Journal: Am J Speech Lang Pathol Date: 2021-07-27 Impact factor: 2.408
Authors: Jara Stalpaert; Sofie Standaert; Lien D'Helft; Marijke Miatton; Anne Sieben; Tim Van Langenhove; Wouter Duyck; Pieter van Mierlo; Miet De Letter Journal: Front Hum Neurosci Date: 2022-03-31 Impact factor: 3.169