Information & Resources

This page is in development.

Dementia and Communication Interventions

Learn about how communication changes with dementia and what interventions are available.

Brochure Resources Information Booklet

Parkinson's Disease and Communication

Parkinson's disease affects communication in a number of ways. Find out how and what people who are affected can do.

Brochure Resources

Brochure: Stroke and Communication

Learn how communication may be impacted after a stroke and what can be gained through treatment.

Brochure Information Sheet (coming soon)

Adult Communication Disorders: Causes, Descriptions, and Accessing Support

Read about some of the reasons why adults seek professional support for a communication disability and what they may hope to gain.

Brochure Information Booklet

Childhood and Adolescent Communication Disorders: Descriptions and Accessing Support

Read about some of the communication delays/disorders experienced by children and teenagers and how an S-LP can help.

Brochure Information Booklet

Early Communication Development

and Late Talkers

Read about language milestones up to age 2 1/2 years, what 'Late Talker' means, and when to seek professional advice.

Information Booklet

Aphasia

Stroke4Carers (Scotland)

http://www.stroke4carers.org/?cat=23&p=280

Aphasia Institute (Toronto, Ontario)

https://www.aphasia.ca/

Aphasia Etiquette (BBC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTh86NoQh7Q

NIDCD Fact Sheet - Aphasia

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/health/voice/Aphasia.pdf

National Aphasia Association (USA)

https://www.aphasia.org/

Local

Aphasia Nova Scotia

https://www.aphasianovascotia.ca/

InteRACT

https://www.dal.ca/sites/interact.html

Acquired Apraxia of Speech

Written for members of the public:

Written for health professionals:

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences

"Evidence Based Clinical Research: Apraxia of Speech"

https://www.ancds.org/evidence-based-clinical-research#Acquired%20Aprazia%20of%20Speech

Autism Spectrum Disorders

National Autism Center at May Institute

"A Parent's Guide to Evidence-based Practice and Autism"

http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/resources/for-families/

National Autism Center. (2015). Findings and conclusions: National standards project, phase 2: Addressing the need for evidence-based practice guidelines for autism spectrum disorder. Randolph, MA: National Autism Center. Retrieved from http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/national-standards-project/

Oono, I. P., Honey, E. J., & McConachie, H. (2013). Parent-mediated early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(4). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009774.pub2

Open access: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009774/early-intervention-delivered-by-parents-for-young-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorders

Local

Autism Nova Scotia

http://campus.autismnovascotia.ca/default.php

Dementia

"The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in Dementia Care"

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada

https://www.sac-oac.ca/sites/default/files/resources/Dementia_Position-Statement_EN.pdf

"Person-Centred Focuse on Function: Dementia"

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

http://www.asha.org/uploadedfiles/icf-dementia.pdf

Local

Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia

http://alzheimer.ca/en/ns

"Caring for Someone with Progressive Dementia"

Province of Nova Scotia

https://811.novascotia.ca/health_topics/caring-for-someone-with-progressive-dementia/

True North Clinical Research
provide free memory screening in Nova Scotia

http://truenorthcr.com/

Behaviour, Cognition, and Communication in Dementia

2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

Alzheimer’s Association

includes the Special Report on the Personal Financial Impact of Alzheimer’s on Families

https://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2016-facts-and-figures.pdf

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences

http://www.ancds.org/information-for-clients-and-families

Cognitive Changes

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Cognitive-Changes

Cognitive Issues in Parkinson’s Disease

American Parkinson Disease Association

http://www.apdaparkinson.org/cognitive-issues-in-parkinsons-disease/

Diffuse Lewy Body Disease

Parkinson Canada

http://www.parkinson.ca/site/c.kgLNIWODKpF/b.8647145/k.6D4A/Diffuse_Lewy_Body_Disease.htm

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program

video series for family caregivers on responding to behavioural symptoms of dementia

http://dementia.uclahealth.org/caregiver-education-videos

Cognition and MS

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

https://mssociety.ca/library/document/LrvdiAzUK01SbsCcafFt938eQhNP2IJ7/original.pdf

Communicating

Alzheimer’s Society

discusses changes in language and strategies for optimizing communication

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=130

Changes in Communication

CaringKind

briefly describes changes in communication and strategies for care partners

http://www.caringkindnyc.org/communication/

"Shifting Focus – A Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviour"

Alzheimer Knowledge Exchange, Alzheimer Society Ontario, & Behavioural Supports Ontario

available in 8 languages

http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/on/We-can-help/Resources/Shifting-Focus

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Practice Portal – Dementia

http://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Dementia/

Evidence Based Clinical Research – Progressive Neurogenic Communication Disorders

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences

https://ancds.memberclicks.net/evidence-based-clinical-research#Dementia

Spaced Retrieval Step by Step

Jeanette E. Benigas, Jennifer A. Brush, and Gail M. Elliot

published by Health Professions Press

Systematic Review and Practice Recommendations for Use of Spaced-Retrieval Training with Individuals with Dementia

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences

http://www.ancds.org/assets/docs/EBP/summary_technical_report_1_spaced-retrieval_training.pdf

Clinical Intervention for Cognitive-Communication Disorders of Dementia

"Best Practice Guideline for Accommodating and Managing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Residential Care: A Person-Centered Interdisciplinary Approach"

Ministry of Health – British Columbia

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/ publications/year/2012/bpsd-guideline.pdf

National Institute for Health Care Excellence: Dementia

https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/dementia#content=view-index

"Cognitive-Communication Disorders of Dementia: Definition, Diagnosis, and Treatment (2nd ed.)"

K. A. Bayles & C. K. Tomoeda

published by Plural Publishing

"Dementia: Person-Centred Assessment and Intervention (2nd ed.)"

E. M. Hickey & M. S. Bourgeois

Published by Routledge

Hopper, T. L. (2003). “They’re just going to get worse anyway”: Perspectives on rehabilitation for nursing home residents with dementia. Journal of Communication Disorders, 36, 345-459. doi: 10.1016/S0021-99924(03)00050-9

Oren, S., Willerton, C., & Small, J. (2014). Effects of spaced retrieval training on semantic memory in Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 57, 247-270. doi:10.1044/1092-4388

Chiu, H.-Y., Chen, P.-Y., Chen, Y.-T., & Huang, H.-C. (2018). Reality orientation therapy benefits cognition in older people with dementia: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 86, 20-28.

Eggenberger, E., Heimerl, K., & Bennett, M. I. (2013). Communication skills training in dementia care: A systematic review of effectiveness, training content, and didactic methods in different care settings. International Psychogeriatrics, 25, 345–358. doi:10.1017/S1041610212001664

Swan, K., Hopper, M., Wenke, R., Jackson, C., Till, T., & Conway, E. (2018). Speech-language pathologist interventions for communication in moderate–severe dementia: A systematic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 27, 836-852. doi:10.1044/2017_AJSLP-17-0043

Resources for Memory and Communication Aids

"Memory Books and Other Graphic Cueing Systems: Practical Communication and Memory Aids for Adults with Dementia"

Michelle S. Bourgeois

published by Health Professions Press

"Memory and Communication Aids for People with Dementia"

Michelle S. Bourgeois

published by Health Professions Press

Best Alzheimer’s Products

consumer source for memory aids with voice recording features (e.g., talking photo album, talking tiles)

http://store.best-alzheimers-products.com/

"The Memory Handbook"

Alzheimer’s Society

information on memory, strategies, and aids for those with mild memory loss

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=2204

"Funding, Coding, and Documentation for Speech Generating Devices"

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

on demand webinar for professionals

https://www.asha.org/eweb/OLSDynamicPage.aspx?Webcode=olsdetails&title=Funding%2c+Coding%2c+and+Documentation+for+Speech+Generating+Devices+(On+Demand+Webinar)

Activities and Engagement

"101 Activities"

Alzheimer’s Association

https://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_101_activities.asp

"Activities to do with Your Parent who has Alzheimer’s Dementia"

Judity A. Levy

Ms. Levy is an Occupational Therapist with personal and professional experience with persons with Alzheimer’s dementia

published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Alzheimer’s Store

products designed for persons with Alzheimer’s such as puzzles, therapy dolls, one button radio, simple music player, painting activities, games, and activity boards

http://www.alzstore.com/alzheimers-dementia-activities-s/1673.htm

Best Alzheimer’s Products

products for entertainment (e.g., simple music player, flipper remote control, one button radio, DVDs, Video Respite series, CDs), nurturing and comfort activities (e.g., dolls and stuffed animals), reading and photographic collections, colouring books, and other activities

http://store.best-alzheimers-products.com/

"Can Do Activities for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease: Strength-based Communication and Programming"

Eileen Eisner

published by Pro-Ed Inc.

"Creating Moments of Joy (5th ed.)"

Jolene Brackey

published by Purdue University Press

Dementiability

information, workshops, videos, publications, and other resources on Montessori methods for dementia

http://www.dementiability.com/

"Engaging and Communicating With People Who Have Dementia: Finding and Using Their Strengths"

Eileen Eisner

published by Health Professions Press

Busy: The Dementia Activities Specialist

games, books, and activities for persons with dementia and professionals delivering group programs

http://keepingbusy.com/puzzles-for-dementia/

MindStart

products designed by an occupational therapist for persons with dementia for leisure and stimulation including puzzles, games, colouring books, word games, books, and lacing cards

http://www.mind-start.com/Alzheimers-and-dementia-products-from-MindStart.html

"Montessori-Based Activities for Persons with Dementia, Volumes 1 & 2"

Cameron J. Camp

published by Health Professions Press

My House of Memories app

National Museums Liverpool and Innovate Dementia

interactive collection of images, music, and information on objects from life in England from 1920-1980 to facilitate reminiscence and exploration of areas of interest

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/learning/projects/house-of-memories/my-house-of-memories-app.aspx

"Taking Part: Activities for People with Dementia"

Alzheimer’s Society

https://shop.alzheimers.org.uk/books/taking-part-activities-for-people-with-dementia?search=Taking%20part&description=true

Adult Literacy Resources

New Readers Press

publisher of books for English learners, including a series of easy-to-read books for pleasure reading

http://www.newreaderspress.com/pleasure-reading

News for You: available from New Readers Press

subscribers have access to easy-to-read news articles; text audio can be played in full or sentence-by-sentence

http://www.newreaderspress.com/news-for-you-online

News in Levels

post news stories from around the world written in three levels with the option to listen to the audio recording of the text; simplified text and audio recording of Robinson Crusoe is also available

http://www.newsinlevels.com/

Shadowbox Press

publisher of a collection of books for persons with dementia

https://www.shadowboxpress.com/products/conversation-cards-two-deck-set

Two-Lap Book series

Health Professions Press

http://www.healthpropress.com/product/two-lap-book-series/

Emma Rose Sparrow, author

series of books designed for persons with Alzheimer’s disease available through Amazon CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

https://www.amazon.com/Emma-Rose-Sparrow/e/B00N09DY10

Community Resources and Online Forums for Family and Care Providers

ALZConnected

online community forums for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and caregivers

https://www.alzconnected.org/

Community Resource Finder

Alzheimer’s Association

http://www.communityresourcefinder.org/

Dementia Action Alliance Resources

collection of print and online resources such as Facebook pages, blogs, videos, websites, and books

http://daanow.org/resource-center/resources/

Dementia Forum

http://www.dementiaforum.org/discuss/forum/

Resources for Creating Supportive Environments and Communities

Dementia Enabling Environments

information for families, professionals, and members of the community

http://www.enablingenvironments.com.au/

Dementia Friendly America

tools and resources for supporting the development of dementia-friendly communities

http://www.dfamerica.org/

Dementia-friendly Environments

Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia

information on enhancing the physical and social environment, wayfinding, stimulation, meaningful activities, spirituality, and related topics

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/ageing-and-aged-care/dementia-friendly-environments

Dementia Friends USA and Dementia Friends Canada

provide information on how persons with dementia can be supported in their community

http://dementiafriendsusa.org/

http://www.dementiafriends.ca/

Advance Directives

"Dementia and End-of-Life Care"

Alzheimer Society of Canada

http://www.alzheimer.ca/~/media/Files/national/End-of-life-care/EoL_Part_I_e

Speak Up – Advance Care Planning

a source of information for consumers, families, and professionals; includes province-specific information for Canadians

http://www.advancecareplanning.ca/

"End-of-Life Decisions"

Alzheimer’s Association

information for consumers and families

http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_endoflifedecisions.pdf

End of Life Care

"Position Statement – The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists and Communication Health Assistants in End-of-Life Care, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada"

http://www.sac-oac.ca/sites/default/files/resources/end-of-life_position-statement_en.pdf

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

educational resources for professionals and consumer and family resources for end-of-life care

http://www.nhpco.org/resources/end-life-care--resources#Children-and-Family-Support

End of Life Resources and References

\American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

http://www.asha.org/SLP/End-of-Life-Resources/

Developing Dementia-Friendly Health Care Services

D:KIT, Dementia Action Alliance

a self-assessment toolkit to facilitate development of dementia friendly hospitals

http://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/dkit

Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative

educational materials for hospital staff

http://www.alz.org/stl/in_my_community_62183.asp

What’s Design Got To Do With It?

Glen Hougan (professor at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design)

Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation

an introduction to the concept of design thinking in health care services and environments

http://blog.centerforinnovation.mayo.edu/2015/11/24/whats-design-got-to-do-with-it/

Written for health professionals:

"Evidence Based Clinical Research: Progressive Neurogenic Communication Disorders"

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences

https://www.ancds.org/evidence-based-clinical-research#Acquired%20Aprazia%20of%20Speech

Dysarthria

"Evidence Based Clinical Research: Dysarthria"

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences

https://www.ancds.org/evidence-based-clinical-research#Dysarthria

Huntington's Disease

Huntington Society of Canada

https://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/

Language Development

"Why Interaction Matters"

The Hanen Centre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAFcJVJHLCU

Late Talkers

"How to Tell if Your Child is a Late Talker and What to Do About It"

The Hanen Centre, by Lauren Lowry

http://www.hanen.org/helpful-info/articles/how-to-tell-if-your-child-is-a-late-talker-%E2%80%93-and-w.aspx

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson Canada

http://www.parkinson.ca/

LSVT Global

https://www.lsvtglobal.com /

Parkinson’s Foundation

http://parkinson.org /

University of California San Francisco – Memory and Aging Center

https://memory.ucsf.edu/parkinson-disease-dementia

Johns Hopkins Medicine - Parkinson Disease and Dementia

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/parkinsons_disease_and_dementia_134,50

"What is Parkinson's Disease?"

Michael J. Fox Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRLB7WqX0fU

"Raising Your Voice with Parkinson's"

Lee Health

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhfZ6wb1nHc

Local

Parkinson Canada - Dartmouth/Halifax Support Group

https://www.parkinson.ca/support-groups/dartmouth-halifax/

Research: LSVT LOUD

List of research studies conducted by the developers of LSVT LOUD:

https://blog.lsvtglobal.com/research/loud-reference/

Research: Comparisons Between Different Treatment Approaches for PD

Sackley, C. M., Smith, C. H., Rick, C. E., Brady, M. C., Ives, N., Patel, S., . . . Clarke, C. E. (2018). Lee Silverman Voice Treatment versus standard speech and language therapy versus control in Parkinson's disease: a pilot randomised controlled trial (PD COMM pilot). Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 4(30), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-017-0222-z

Sackley et al. (2018) completed a study to determine the feasibility of conducting a further randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing treatment effects between LSVT LOUD, standard speech/voice treatment, and no treatment in persons with PD that would have a large enough group of participants to achieve statistical power. Previous RCTs have not compared all three at once. These authors found that participants in both the LSVT LOUD and standard speech/voice treatment groups made gains on outcome measures.

Herd, C. P., Tomlinson, C. L., Deane, K. H. O., Brady, M. C., Smith, C. H., Sackley, C. M.,, & Clarke, C. E. (2012). Speech and language therapy for speech problems in Parkinson's disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012(8). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002814.pub2

Right Hemisphere Cognitive Communication Deficits

Written for members of the public:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

"Right Hemisphere Brain Damage (RHD)"

https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/right-hemisphere-brain-damage/

Written for health professionals:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

"Right Hemisphere Damage"

https://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589943798&section=Overview

Blake, M. L. (2018). The right hemisphere and disorders of cognition and communication: Theory and clinical practice. San Diego, CA: Plural.

Blake, M. L., Duffy, J. R., Myers, P. S., & Tompkins, C. A. (2002). Prevalence and patterns of right hemisphere cognitive/communicative deficits: Retrospective data from an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Aphasiology, 16, 537-547. doi: 10.1080/02687030244000194

Screen Time

"Policy Statement: Media and Young Minds"***

American Academy of Pediatrics

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162591

"Policy Statement: Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents"***

American Academy of Pediatrics

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162592

"Screen Time" podcast

Seattle Mama Doc | Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson

https://soundcloud.com/seattlemamadoc/screen-time

"The Tech Effect: How Too Much Device Time May Be Taking a Toll on Today's Children"

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association