Does speech therapy

Maru

I asked about occupational therapy, I should perhaps have asked about speech therapy. DH with ALZ most noticable problem is lost words.

M1

Same issue. It doesn't help. The brain damage is not repairable.

fmb

DH had speech/memory therapy after a 'tiny' stroke in June 2023. The neurologist said the stroke was in the region of speech/language, swallowing, and memory. Buried deeply in the neurologist's notes was also a diagnosis of 'Dementia-Alzheimer's type'. In retrospect, DH was in Stage 5 at the time. Regardless of whether his deficits were the result of ALZ or the stroke, speech/memory therapy had no positive effect, even in the short term.

Vitruvius

I responded to the other post, and I have an even less favorable view of speech therapy. My DW has Semantic Dementia, I.e. trouble with words. She was referred to speech therapy. After one session she was distraught at her inability to comprehend what the therapist was trying to accomplish. On the way home she said in an tone of embarrassment, “Do you still love me.” We never went again.

Iris L.

Speech and cognitive therapy are for stroke and head trauma patients who have a chance of regaining speech and skills. PWDs need to continue to stimulate their brains with fulfilling and failure-free activities on their level. You can read about such activities here and online, and do them at home. Think about what he still can do. Whatever hobby he liked to do before, try to modify it.

Iris

JDancer

Your post is tagged "early stage (mild)." Many of the symptoms you've mentioned (in previous posts) tend to come in later stages. Are you underestimating the level of impairment? An honest assessment is needed to coordinated and plan care. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this difficult situation.

Maru

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/222020#Comment_222020

His diagnosis is ES, but I think he is further along. Looking back I see how I have been excusing and compensating for his loses for years. Ty for your response. I guess here in this place we all suffer together.

Maru

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/221999#Comment_221999

The sad thing is that local daughter is a Speech Therapist, has a Master's and is positive this will help him.I am sure that, in theory, it does. In reality, I am learning to turn to this group for the facts. i have enough fears and anxiety about all this without getting into an argument . She is going with us to the Dr next week and if he agrees, I will do what our insurance will cover…so long as DH is alright with it. DH has accepted his diagnosis and it's inevitible (sp?) outcome.

Off topic, now that I know what is happening, his lapses seem to be coming faster and faster. I would ask if tht is normal, but I have learned already from this group that there is no normal that there is no "normal". Yesterday, he asked me if daughters one and two were married in the Church. ..that seems frightenly close to forgetting names of loved ones.

M1

Maru, he may well forget names of loved ones—and their relationships. It's painful but to be expected. I'm sorry your daughter has unrealistic expectations. I doubt if your insurance will cover much. Maybe your daughter could work with him and will see for herself that it won't do much.

we all tend to underestimate our loved one's impairments. It's natural—but you're right, we overcompensate immensely.

harshedbuzz

@Maru

My take on this is to try the speech services if you can get them covered by insurance. I seriously doubt he'll improve, remain stable or even progress at a less rapid rate as a result. He may find the attention a positive thing and it will preserve your relationship with your daughter. She may even learn a thing or two about the limits of her profession in the context of dementia.

If he resists or it proves burdensome for you, you can stop while saying you tried.

In education, speech therapy is always tied to a measurable goal with regular benchmarks. I would ask your daughter what goals she would have for dad were she treating him professionally.

HB

CampCarol

We tried speech therapy as part of the home care regime a few times after his latest hospitalization at the recommendation of the Hospitalist. We had the same issue as @Vitruvius above. Although the therapist was very nice, he dreaded her visits because he felt he was “failing” her tests. This was prior to my finding this forum; I wish I had known sooner there was nothing to be gained from it. In hindsight, I guess I should have figured that out when she was asking him what his “goals” were for their sessions. What we were coming up with was completely unattainable, even though to me they seemed tiny at the time. I know better now!

Maru

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/222032#Comment_222032

Very insightful. Daughter will respect the question. i know that, like all the kids, she wants to help.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/222032#Comment_222032

Iris L.

Family members should be aware of just how little comprehension many professionals who regularly work with older adults have about the nature of the dementias. Sadly, often you cannot rely on what a professional says to you.

Iris

elainechem

It would probably be as useful as sending my hubby with EOAD to physical therapy after he had hip replacement surgery. He could never remember how to do the exercises that they wanted him to do. I tried to help him at home, but he had a real hard time following my directions.

Maxine

I am a board certified speech language pathologist. I am here bc I am daughter of parent with early stage Alzheimer. As a professional, yes, I recommend occupational therapy and speech therapy. Both therapy specialists can assist in modifying the environment and creating memory systems to help the patient maintain activities of functional daily living for as long as possible.

Iris L.

Welcome Maxine. What sort of memory system are you recommending for the PWD?

Iris

sandwichone123

While the PWD will not be able to learn from the interventions, I have heard of families gaining valuable skills from a knowledgeable PT or ST.