Distinctive versus Common Feature Knowledge across Three Levels of Importance: Relationship with Word Retrieval Performance in People with Aphasia

Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) is a well established intervention technique for improving word retrieval in people with aphasia. This technique uses features of target words to activate semantic networks and thereby improve word retrieval as supported by the spreading activation theory of semantic processing (Collins & Loftus, 1975). Variations of this intervention technique have been successful at improving word retrieval of some people with aphasia (e.g., Boyle, 2004; Coelho, McHugh, & Boyle, 2000; Peach & Reuter, 2010; Wambaugh & Ferguson, 2007). As part of an effort to increase the effectiveness of semantic treatments such as SFA, semantic feature knowledge of people with aphasia has been examined in depth (Cox, 2009; Germani & Pierce 1995; Mason-Baughman, 2009; Mason-Baughman, 2010; Vecchi, 1994). For purposes of this research, feature knowledge refers to the ability to identify that a feature belongs to a particular target word during a sorting task as described below. To develop understanding of the semantic knowledge of people with aphasia, researchers have primarily examined two aspects of features: importance and distinctiveness

Dementia Management: A Practice Update for Speech-Language Pathologists

Most clinicians working with older adults have assessed and treated patients with cognitive-communicative deficits associated with dementia. Dementia management can be challenging at times, even for the most seasoned clinician. This article will provide a framework for dementia management focusing on assessment, treatment, and documentation to ensure that speech-language pathology services are reimbursable by meeting Medicare's definition of reasonable and necessary services as set forth by the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. The goal of sharing this information is to help clinicians shape management programs to meet the needs of their patients with dementia and ensure compliance with current healthcare regulations.</jats:p

Communication Strategy Training for Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia

Researchers in this study investigated the perceptions of 14 professional and family caregivers regarding 11 communication strategies to use during interactions with individuals with dementia. The results showed that 10 of the strategies were frequently reported in the literature for caregivers of individuals with dementia (Small, Gutman, Saskia, &amp; Hillhouse, 2003). The investigators added a final strategy that focused on using pictures, books, and props during interactions and planning/structuring interactions. Caregivers completed questionnaires before and after training to rate the importance and frequency of use of each strategy. Caregivers then participated in a training session led by the investigators that included a verbal and written explanation of each strategy and a description of why using the strategy would help to improve communication interactions. Comparisons of pretraining to posttraining questionnaires showed that most caregivers did not use materials such as books, pictures, magazines, and games during communication interactions and did not try to plan for visits/interactions pretraining; posttraining, however, most caregivers responded that they would frequently use materials and plan for interactions.</jats:p

Project-Based Treatments: Evidence From the TBI Population and Suggested Applications for Adults With Dementia

Project-based treatment will be addressed as a possible technique to utilize with people with dementia. Project-based treatments are designed to facilitate increased engagement for meaningful activities as part of a long-term, collaborative project that culminates in the creation and presentation of a tangible product, such as a care partner training manual or video. Project-based treatments have been successfully implemented with people with traumatic brain injury. Evidence from the traumatic brain injury population will be reviewed and possible applications of project-based treatment for people with dementia will be discussed.</jats:p

SIG 15 Perspectives Vol. 17, No. 3, September 2012

Sorry, this activity is no longer available for CEUs. Visit the SIG 15 page on the ASHA Store to see available CE activities. Use the CE questions PDF here as study questions to guide your Perspectives reading.</jats:p

SIG 15 Perspectives Vol. 18, No. 1, January 2013

Sorry, this activity is no longer available for CEUs. Visit the SIG 15 page on the ASHA Store to see available CE activities. Use the CE questions PDF here as study questions to guide your Perspectives reading.</jats:p

Patient Care: Bridging Evidence and Functional Outcomes

In this article, we invite the reader to think about the most important component of clinical practice—the patient—and to think about ways clinicians theoretically and personally approach a resident with communication and/or cognitive impairments. We seek to examine the thought processes necessitated in translating “evidence” to practice in our efforts to help the patient or resident sitting before us in the clinic.</jats:p