COVER STORY

OVERCOMING SPEECH AND COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S, PARKINSON'S AND DEMENTIA

"An estimated 6.7 million Americans over the age of 65 are now living with Alzheimer's, a number that is projected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050."

BY AVIVIT BEN-AHARON, M.S.ED., M.A. CCC SLP

As we age, our bodies change in a wide variety of ways, some of which are unexpected. While people have come to expect physical challenges that accompany the aging process – such as eyesight or hearing changes – they may be surprised by changes that diminish a person's ability to speak and express oneself. When speech and language skills decline, especially with the onset of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's and dementia, one's independence and quality of life often dissipates.