Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Committee Chair

Dr. Laura Amanda Mathews

Committee Chair School

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Committee Member 2

Dr. Steven Cloud

Committee Member 2 School

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Committee Member 3

Mrs. Mary Schaub

Committee Member 3 School

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Abstract

Dementia diagnoses are continuing to increase, with the number of diagnoses expected to reach 231 million globally by 2050 (World Alzheimer’s Report, 2019). With this comes a greater need for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who are able to best treat those who are diagnosed. Providing person-centered and strengths-based treatment approaches for people with dementia (PWD) has been proven to increase positive engagement responses while decreasing negative engagement responses (Skrainer et al., 2007). The primary objective of this research study was to assess treatment approaches used by SLPs in dementia care setting, along with how SLPs provide person-centered dementia treatment throughout the progression of the disease. An anonymous survey was conducted to analyze SLPs’ perceptions and knowledge of topics regarding dementia and PCC. Participants were recruited from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Special Interest Group: 15. Twenty-five surveys were received, and 15 of those were fully completed. A strong knowledge of treatment options for PWD can aid SLPs providing the best treatment possible for their patients. Without adequate and continued training in the areas of PCC and dementia treatment, many PWD may receive inadequate services, whether the SLP is able to recognize this issue or not.

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