Awareness and knowledge of dementia and its communication disorders amongst Brazilian speech and language therapists.
Bárbara Costa BeberEmily Viega AlvesNatalie PereiraMaria Isabel d'Ávila FreitasMarcela Lima SilagiMárcia Lorena Fagundes ChavesBrian A LawlorPublished in: International journal of language & communication disorders (2024)
What is already known on the subject Many studies confirm the importance of speech and language therapy in the non-pharmacological treatment of people with dementia. However, other evidence suggests to a possible lack of training for Brazilian SLTs, especially in the curriculum of undergraduate courses. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study reveals that Brazilian SLTs have substantial knowledge of dementia and recognize the significance of their role in treating people with dementia. However, a minority expressed confidence in their ability to assess and treat people with dementia. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings of this research demonstrate that Brazilian SLTs have good knowledge of dementia and endorse their professional role in dementia care; however, they lack confidence in their own skills and expertise in diagnostic assessment and treatment of dementia. Interventions aimed at boosting the SLT's confidence level could lead to improved patients outcomes and overall quality of care within clinical settings.
Keyphrases
- mild cognitive impairment
- healthcare
- cognitive impairment
- quality improvement
- palliative care
- autism spectrum disorder
- end stage renal disease
- newly diagnosed
- stem cells
- physical activity
- mesenchymal stem cells
- metabolic syndrome
- virtual reality
- combination therapy
- hearing loss
- chronic pain
- climate change
- health insurance
- clinical evaluation
- replacement therapy