Person-Centered Memory and Communication Interventions for Dementia (Paperback)

Person-Centered Memory and Communication Interventions for Dementia: A Case Study Approach is the third volume in the “Medical Speech-Language Pathology” book series. It is a practical, peer-reviewed resource for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with people with dementia. In this unique text, the authors cover a variety of evidence-based clinical procedures for the memory, communication, and behavioral challenges of people with dementia. The aim is to empower SLPs and other clinicians to implement practices that elevate the personhood of people living with various dementia syndromes.

Throughout this clinician-friendly text, the authors cover three main areas of focus: elevating personhood, the “how tos” of clinical procedures, and the organizational-level barriers and facilitators to implementation. After an introductory chapter, the next eight chapters describe a detailed case study that explains specific person-centered assessment and treatment methods. The cases depict a diverse group of people providing insights into the range of concerns and joys involved in supporting memory and communication in a manner that is culturally responsive and equitable.

Key Features

• The only dementia text that incorporates a culturally responsive approach to cases that reflect the increasing diversity of the aging population
• Specific examples of the “how tos” of person-centered, evidence-based careDetailed personal, assessment, and treatment histories for each case, with a table of goals and intervention procedures, as well as illustrations of memory and communication strategies
• Each chapter starts with an “At-A-Glance” section to highlight the person and ends with a summary of key points of the treatment and implementation factors 
• Uses a highly readable writing style with boxes, tables, and figures to support the text 
• A PluralPlus companion website with additional assessment forms, data collection sheets, photo examples of memory and communication strategies, and functional maintenance plan templates

Ellen Hickey, PhD, SLP-Reg., SLP(C), CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Dalhousie University. She has been a speech-language pathologist for over 30 years and specializes in working with persons with acquired neurological communication disorders and their families and care partners. She engages in clinical practice, research, and teaching with an emphasis on care partner training to improve the implementation of best practices for communication, engagement, and quality of life with persons with dementia, aphasia, and motor speech disorders. She is also committed to community engagement and has served on a committee for ASHA SIG 2, and on the Boards of Directors for a group home for persons with acquired brain injury and Aphasia Nova Scotia. Ellen is also committed to continuous learning and actions toward antiracism and decolonization in speech-language pathology, education, and healthcare. She aims for true person-centered care, which can only be achieved through culturally responsive practice.
Natalie Douglas, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Lead Collaborator at Practical Implementation Collaborative and an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University. Her work aims to advance best, person-centered practices in communication and quality of life interventions for people with dementia, aphasia, and other acquired communication disorders in adults. She additionally aims to empower local healthcare and educational teams to support best practices, quality improvement initiatives, and person-centered care through applying principles of implementation science.