A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) plays an important role in supporting communication and swallow function in people diagnosed with various neurological conditions (from changes in the brain).
Neurological Conditions can be progressive and change over time, such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease (PD) or Dementia, or they can be non- progressive for example Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
The SLT is involved in supporting people with neurological conditions, with the aim to improve, maintain or support speech, language, communication and swallowing skills, in order to enhance their overall quality of life.
What are Progressive Neurological Disorders?
Progressive neurological disorders are conditions where a person has a continual deterioration in neurological function. These conditions are likely to affect the individual for life. The deterioration may occur gradually over many years, or may occur quickly over a period of weeks and months. Common examples of progressive neurological disorders include;
SLTs support people with neurological conditions to maintain, improve and augment speech, language, communication and swallowing skills, in order to enhance their quality of life
An SLT is uniquely skilled in helping individuals who have acquired difficulties with their speech, language, voice, communication and swallowing due to a progressive neurological disorder. Therapy for communication and/or swallowing problems may begin at the initial signs of the disorder and continue throughout all stages of the individual’s illness, depending on need. Management for progressive neurological disorders is complex and is best provided by a team of professionals from different disciplines, known as a multidisciplinary team. Treatment for those with life-limiting conditions will aim to improve the person’s quality of life through compensatory strategies, education and support, and symptom relief.
Read about how SLTs can help with progressive and non progressive neurological conditions
Working with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) is a positive step towards maximising your quality of life and living well with Parkinson’s Disease.
Children and adults who for a number of reasons require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
The Irish Message Banking Toolkit Initiative is proudly supported by Research Motor Neurone (RMN) and The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT)
Motor Speech Disorders (MSD) are a group of speech and voice disorders that occur as a result of damage to the brain or other parts of the nervous system.
Swallowing disorders, known as dysphagia ( pronounced dis-fay-dya) affects a person’s ability to safely swallow drinks, food and medication. It can impact people across the lifespan.
SLT aim to improve, maintain and support the person living with dementia and their communication partners to maximise engagement and participation through optimising communication and quality of life
A Speech and Language Therapist helps people to address and compensate for communication changes; which can range from very mild to severe.
Working with an SLT is a positive step towards helping manage symptoms of MS & maximise confidence, well-being & quality of life
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