Different types of dementia bring different types of speech & language changes. If words are lost, look for clues in what’s not being said. Watch body language, gestures, facial expressions & any tone to vocalisations. #WithSLTuCan

Aphasia means difficulty with language - word finding difficulties, understanding what words mean or struggling to organise thoughts into words. Learning about aphasia supports people who have aphasia. Sharing communication matters. #WithSLTuCan

Greetings & salutations set the scene for conversation. A wave, a handshake, a smile or a ‘hello’ ….. all markers of what’s going to happen next. Automatic & reassuring signals that invite connection. #WithSLTuCan

Making a meal easier to swallow starts on the plate. Mashing or cutting food up or adding extra sauce can reduce chewing effort & fatigue. Match the meal to the swallow status. #WithSLTuCan

Research shows that humans are wired to connect. When we don’t connect, we experience isolation & stress. Connection is so many different things - a kind look or gentle touch, a smile or shared expression, a caring tone. Count your connections #WithSLTuCan

Offering extra time & space for conversations can be transformative. A few seconds before you respond allows valuable processing time. Being relaxed is mirrored to your conversation partner & the pressure is off - watch what happens. #WithSLTuCan

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. When something‘goes down the wrong way’, it can feel uncomfortable & cause coughing, eye watering & breathlessness. Speech & language therapists assess & advise. #WithSLTuCan

A communication book is a shared resource. It’s helpful when the communication partner initiates conversation using topics/ pictures / personal information in book. Chatting this way takes practice, patience & familiarity. #WithSLTuCan

Swallowing is a sequence of movements, a synergy. Seeing /smelling the food prepares the swallow sequence. Lips firmly round the spoon maximises sensation. Repeat swallows matter. Careful assistance matters. #WithSLTuCan

Creating a life story book together is an opportunity to reminisce, share & connect. Offering simple choices about content, photos & ‘what goes where’ can be empowering & purposeful activity. Make it meaningful. #WithSLTuCan

A post a day at AHPDementia offering hints and tips written by a team of allied health professionals 💜 Alzheimer Scotland

Festive traditions, rituals, music & scents are so personal & evocative. It’s a great time to get the Christmas music on & sing along together in reminiscence of Christmas past 🎅🏻 #WithSLTuCan

Such an important message. You don’t have to say anything to communicate. Active listening is a skill and makes you present in a an interaction AHPDementia #withSLTuCan

A great takeaway message here from AHPDementia webinar yesterday from #SLT Daisy Blair & Rebecca Kellett sharing their care home project. Makes me consider how we model/ embed RCSLT 💙 5 good communication standards #dementia

Colin's stroke resulted in #aphasia , a language and communication disorder. Many people with aphasia will have difficulties with understanding speech, speaking, reading, writing and numeracy issues. Here are his top tips for having a conversation with someone who has Aphasia👇🧵

Sometimes it’s the little things that create unexpected connections in our everyday. Maybe holding eye contact with a smile, offering a wave/ handshake or sharing a conversation using same word choices to show you’re listening. #WithSLTuCan

The cutest pair 💜I couldn't hear what they were saying over the ferry noise but looked like a great #conversation 👍giving each other time, gesturing, not interrupting & the hug is so sweet! 🥰🥰 great #CommunicationPartners 💜💜
#Aphasia #LetsTalkAphasia #StrokeAwarenessMonth

Recently a BBC Radio 4 broadcast looked into how speech and language therapists can help people with aphasia - a disorder involving difficulties with language or speech, sometimes following a stroke.

The conversation around aphasia begins at 13:58
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

Tune in Monday 10 April for the new BBC Radio 4 series 'Dementia: Unexpected Stories of the Mind' 🧠

This 5-part series featuring RareDementiaSupport group members, sees Jules & William Miller exploring the personal stories of those living with rare forms of dementia.