Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia

Communication Changes in Dementia

People with dementia may experience challenges when communicating due to damage to the brain's language areas. In Primary Progressive Aphasia, language problems may be one of the first symptoms.

​Common symptoms may include difficulties in:

• Finding the right words

• Thinking about what they want to say

• Ordering words into sentences

• Following instructions or conversations

• Withdrawing from conversations

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Swallowing Changes in Dementia

Swallowing can also be affected, leading to food and drink going down the wrong way and nutrition concerns. Possible signs may be:

• Eating more slowly

• Difficulty chewing

• Forgetting to swallow

• Drinks coming out of the mouth

• Weight loss

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How we can help?

A diagnosis can feel overwhelming—for both the person living with dementia and those close to them. Too often, people are left unsure of where to turn or how to cope. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—support is available. We support individuals to:

• Maintain and enhance communication for as long as possible

• Use personalised strategies to support memory and independence

• Stay connected with family, friends, and their community

• Work with family and carers on strategies to help maximise the person with dementia’s feeling of wellbeing

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Our Approach 

• Compassionate and person-centred

• Focused on working closely with the individual and their support network

• Grounded in empathy and respect, using evidence-based strategies

• Informed by personal insight, having supported a close family member with dementia

Our approach is rooted in empathy, practical strategies and proven methods designed to promote well-being and independence. 

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Contented Dementia

A unique approach to understanding and managing dementia which relies on people supporting the client with dementia changing their communication style (SPECAL® method)

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Click here to find out more about the Contented Dementia approach.

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​Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST)

iCST is an evidence-based program for people with mild to moderate dementia, adapted from group CST therapy. It improves cognition, quality of life, and the caregiving relationship.

 

Click here to find out more about Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

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Support for Families and Carers

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging. We will work with you to:

• Explain changings that can occur in speech and swallowing

• Demonstrate helpful interaction strategies

• Offer training in the SPECAL® method (Contented Dementia Trust)

• Offer training in iCST

• Offering a space for questions and ongoing support