Written by Heather McCurdy, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Heather provides in home speech therapy services in Northwest IN, and virtual services for the IN residents.
Brain health is important, especially in the mild cognitive impairment (or MCI) and dementia populations. Unfortunately, many aspects of a dementia or MCI diagnosis cannot be changed or improved, however, there are lifestyle and environmental modifications to be given the most favorable prognosis (and possibly even avoid a dementia diagnosis for those with MCI).
Here are some PDFs to improve brain health. Topics covered here include attention, sleeping, eating and breaks/ routines.
Some helpful links (for SLPs and patients with MCI or dementia or their caregivers):
https://www.neurospeechsolutions.com/blog/dancers-cognitive-decline-prevention-education
The resources provided here are simply a taste of the education that is provided during speech therapy sessions to promote independence for as long as possible for those with a dementia diagnosis. For those with MCI, speech therapy consists of additional education to promote brain health, accountability, and cognitively stimulating exercises to avoid a dementia diagnosis.
Mindful Speech Therapy offers additional, non-traditional services including individualized home exercise program and "evaluation only" which includes baseline testing for cognition.
Heather McCurdy is the owner and speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Mindful Speech Therapy. She is particularly passionate about those who sustain traumatic brain injuries as well as adults with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. She strives to provide functional, meaningful and relevant treatment.
Comments