Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical neurodegenerative dementia syndrome
characterized by deficits in spoken and written word retrieval, word usage, and/or
word comprehension. Currently, there are no effective treatments to reverse or halt
the underlying disease process; however, speech–language therapy may be helpful. The
Communication Bridge Care Model was developed to address the unique communication
and quality of life needs of individuals living with PPA. The core elements include
person-centered care with dyadic instruction for disease education, and counseling,
along with tailored levels of impairment- and compensatory-based communication strategy
training. Our multicomponent approach incorporates guidance from the Life Participation
Approach for Aphasia, including client-directed assessment and interventions that
aim to maximize functional communication and participation in desired life activities.
The direct and indirect use of technology is integrated into our tailored model of
care to facilitate achievement of the client's functional goals. Here, we describe
how to practically apply the Communication Bridge Care Model across treatment settings,
including case examples from the Communication Bridge research study. This approach
to care provides an opportunity to maximize communication effectiveness and quality
of life for individuals living with PPA throughout the course of disease.
Keywords
Frontotemporal dementia - Alzheimer's disease - speech–language pathology - communication
disorders - dementia
