Characterization of Speech Therapist's Intervention in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease in Chile

Abstract

Currently, in Chile, it is necessary to determine the speech therapist’s approach towards Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type and cognitive and social evaluation tools used by Speech Therapist. Due to the fact that the number and proportion of older adults have increased, neurodegenerative pathologies are also on the rise. The aim of the present study is to describe the speech therapist approach in Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type. A descriptive and cross-sectional perspective was used. 26 speech therapists were surveyed to find out the procedures they follow when treating patients with this pathology. Data analysis showed that 43% of speech therapists define dementia as a syndrome and that most of them use language and cognitive assessment protocols. The use of the Frontal Assessment Battery instead of Tinetti’s scale (Patient’s Gait & Balance Assessment) was also observed. Regarding therapeutic approach, 79% use a potentiating programme, 54% use both a direct and an indirect approach, 88% use compensatory strategy, and 77% use a facilitation strategy. Finally, therapists treat this type of patients as part of a multidisciplinary team, which shows and highlights the importance of a group approach to this pathology.