1
|
Volkmer A, Cross L, Highton L, Jackson C, Smith C, Brotherhood E, Harding EV, Mummery C, Rohrer J, Weil R, Yong K, Crutch S, Hardy CJD. 'Communication is difficult': Speech, language and communication needs of people with young onset or rarer forms of non-language led dementia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:1553-1577. [PMID: 38329409 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, posterior cortical atrophy and young onset Alzheimer's disease may experience language and communication difficulties. However, the role of speech and language interventions for people with these non-language led dementias has received little attention. AIMS This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of people living with these conditions, and their families, regarding their language and communication difficulties and how speech and language therapy could address these needs. METHODS This study employed a qualitative design to explore the experiences of people living with or caring for somebody with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, posterior cortical atrophy or young onset Alzheimer's disease, and to understand their opinions about speech and language therapy. Participants were recruited from a support service connected to a dementia clinic to attend one of five focus group meetings. Videorecorded focus groups and interviews were transcribed, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data from people affected by each type of dementia. RESULTS A total of 25 participants were recruited to the study, with representation across the different forms of non-language led dementias. The four main themes identified were: (1) communication difficulties as a key difficulty, (2) loss and loneliness, (3) speech and language therapy, and (4) the role of the caregiver. Sixteen subthemes were also identified which highlighted individual issues across disease types. DISCUSSION Although all the forms of dementia studied here are not considered to be language-led, people with these conditions and/or their care partners identified speech, language and communication as common challenges. These communication difficulties were reported to have a negative impact on their social participation and mental health and participants felt speech and language interventions could help. There is a need for research exploring speech and language interventions developed for and with people with non-language led dementias and their care partners, to ensure they meet the needs of the people they are designed for. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject People with primary progressive aphasia present with speech, language and communication difficulties, and several speech and language interventions have been developed to meet the needs of this population. However, people with non-language led dementias may also experience speech, language and communication difficulties, and little is known about interventions that may address these difficulties. What this paper adds to existing knowledge People living with or caring for somebody with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, posterior cortical atrophy and young onset Alzheimer's disease report experiencing speech, language and communication difficulties that impact on the person with dementia's social participation and mood. Participants in this study also shared their opinions about how speech and language interventions could help, from the earliest stages of the disease. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Speech and language therapists need to address the individual speech, language and communication needs of people with dementias, even those that are not thought to be language-led. Current speech and language therapy service provision does not meet the needs of people with non-language led dementias and further research is required to develop interventions and services to meet these needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volkmer
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Cross
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lily Highton
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Connie Jackson
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chloe Smith
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emilie Brotherhood
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma V Harding
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cath Mummery
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Rohrer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rimona Weil
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Keir Yong
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Crutch
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris J D Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Volkmer A, Copland DA, Henry ML, Warren JD, Varley R, Wallace SJ, Hardy CJ. COS-PPA: protocol to develop a core outcome set for primary progressive aphasia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078714. [PMID: 38719304 PMCID: PMC11086495 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The term primary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of language-led dementias. Disease-modifying treatments that delay, slow or reverse progression of PPA are currently lacking, though a number of interventions to manage the symptoms of PPA have been developed in recent years. Unfortunately, studies exploring the effectiveness of these interventions have used a variety of different outcome measures, limiting comparability. There are more constructs, apart from word retrieval, that are important for people with PPA that have not received much attention in the research literature. Existing core outcome sets (COS) for dementia and non-progressive aphasia do not meet the needs of people with PPA, highlighting a need to develop a specific COS for PPA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol describes a three-stage study to identify a COS for PPA interventions in research and clinical practice. The stage 1 systematic review will identify existing speech, language and communication measures used to examine the effectiveness of interventions for PPA in the research literature. Employing a nominal group technique, stage 2 will identify the most important outcomes for people with PPA and their families. The data collected in stages 1 and 2 will be jointly analysed with the project PPI group and will inform the stage 2 modified Delphi consensus study to identify a core outcome measurement set for PPA among a range of research disciplines undertaking intervention studies for people with PPA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for stage 2 of the study has been sought individually in each country at collaborating institutions and is stated in detail in the manuscript. Stage 3 has been granted ethical approval by the Chairs of UCL Language and Cognition Department Ethics, Project ID LCD-2023-06. Work undertaken at stages 1, 2 and 3 will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at international scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022367565.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volkmer
- Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - David A Copland
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maya L Henry
- Departments of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rosemary Varley
- Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah J Wallace
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Jd Hardy
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gallée J, Cartwright J, Grasso S, Jokel R, Lavoie M, McGowan E, Pozzebon M, Beber BC, Duboisdindien G, Montagut N, Norvik M, Sugimoto T, Townsend R, Unger N, Winsnes IE, Volkmer A. Global Perspectives on the Management of Primary Progressive Aphasia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4100219. [PMID: 38562789 PMCID: PMC10984010 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4100219/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Speech-language therapists/pathologists (SLT/Ps) are key professionals in the management and treatment of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), however, there are gaps in education and training within the discipline, with implications for skills, confidence, and clinical decision-making. This survey aimed to explore the areas of need amongst SLT/Ps working with people living with PPA (PwPPA) internationally to upskill the current and future workforce working with progressive communication disorders. One hundred eighty-five SLT/Ps from 27 countries who work with PwPPA participated in an anonymous online survey about their educational and clinical experiences, clinical decision-making, and self-reported areas of need when working with this population. Best practice principles for SLT/Ps working with PwPPA were used to frame the latter two sections of this survey. Only 40.7% of respondents indicated that their university education prepared them for their current work with PwPPA. Competency areas of "Knowing people deeply," "Practical issues," "Connectedness," and "Preventing disasters" were identified as the basic areas of priority and need. Respondents identified instructional online courses (92.5%), sample tools and activities for interventions (64.8%), and concrete training on providing care for advanced stages and end of life (58.3%) as central areas of need in their current work. This is the first international survey to comprehensively explore the perspectives of SLT/Ps working with PwPPA. Based on survey outcomes, there is a pressing need to enhance current educational and ongoing training opportunities to better promote the well-being of PwPPA and their families, and to ensure appropriate preparation of the current and future SLT/P workforce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Gallée
- Center for Psychometric Analyses of Aging and Neurodegeneration, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
| | | | - Stephanie Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Regina Jokel
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | - Monica Lavoie
- Chaire de recherche sur les aphasies primaires progressives - Fondation de la famille Lemaire, Université Laval
| | | | | | - Bárbara Costa Beber
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)
| | - Guillaume Duboisdindien
- Chaire de recherche sur les aphasies primaires progressives - Fondation de la famille Lemaire, Université Laval
| | - Núria Montagut
- Alzheimer's Disease and other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clinic Barcelona
| | - Monica Norvik
- Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian studies, University of Oslo
| | - Taiki Sugimoto
- Center for Psychometric Analyses of Aging and Neurodegeneration, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
| | | | - Nina Unger
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald
| | - Ingvild E Winsnes
- Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian studies, University of Oslo
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Department of Psychology and Language Science, University College London
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Belder CRS, Marshall CR, Jiang J, Mazzeo S, Chokesuwattanaskul A, Rohrer JD, Volkmer A, Hardy CJD, Warren JD. Primary progressive aphasia: six questions in search of an answer. J Neurol 2024; 271:1028-1046. [PMID: 37906327 PMCID: PMC10827918 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review recent progress in the diagnosis and management of primary progressive aphasia-the language-led dementias. We pose six key unanswered questions that challenge current assumptions and highlight the unresolved difficulties that surround these diseases. How many syndromes of primary progressive aphasia are there-and is syndromic diagnosis even useful? Are these truly 'language-led' dementias? How can we diagnose (and track) primary progressive aphasia better? Can brain pathology be predicted in these diseases? What is their core pathophysiology? In addition, how can primary progressive aphasia best be treated? We propose that pathophysiological mechanisms linking proteinopathies to phenotypes may help resolve the clinical complexity of primary progressive aphasia, and may suggest novel diagnostic tools and markers and guide the deployment of effective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R S Belder
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charles R Marshall
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Jiang
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Salvatore Mazzeo
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Anthipa Chokesuwattanaskul
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Clinical and Computational Neuroscience Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Chris J D Hardy
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Volkmer A, Beeke S, Warren JD, Spector A, Walton H. Development of fidelity of delivery and enactment measures for interventions in communication disorders. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:112-133. [PMID: 37792862 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was part of a process evaluation for a single-blind, randomized controlled pilot study comparing Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA), an approach to communication partner training, with no speech and language therapy treatment. It was necessary to explore fidelity of delivery (delivery of intervention components) and intervention enactment (participants' use of intervention skills in the form of conversation behaviours comprising facilitators, that enhance the conversational flow, and barriers, that impeded the flow of conversation). This study aimed to: (1) Outline an adapted methodological process that uses video observation, to measure both fidelity of delivery and enactment. (2) Measure the extent to which the BCPPA pilot study was delivered as planned, and enacted. DESIGN Observational methods were used alongside statistical analysis to explore the fidelity of intervention and enactment using video recordings obtained from the BCPPA pilot study. METHODS A 5-step methodology, was developed to measure fidelity of delivery and enactment for the BCPPA study using video-recorded data. To identify delivery of intervention components, a random sample of eight video recorded and transcribed BCPPA intervention sessions was coded. To examine the enactment of conversation behaviours, 108 transcribed 10 -min-video recorded conversations were coded from 18 participants across the control and intervention group. RESULTS Checklists and guidelines for measurement of fidelity of treatment delivery and coding spreadsheets and guidelines for measurement of enactment are presented. Local collaborators demonstrated 87.2% fidelity to the BCPPA protocol. Participants in the BCPPA treatment group increased their use of facilitator behaviours enacted in conversation from a mean of 13.5 pre-intervention to 14.2 post-intervention, whilst control group facilitators decreased from a mean of 15.5 to 14.4, over the same timescale. CONCLUSIONS This study proposes a novel and robust methods, using video recorded intervention sessions and conversation samples, to measure both fidelity of intervention delivery and enactment. The learnings from this intervention are transferable to other communication interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volkmer
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Suzanne Beeke
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aimee Spector
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Holly Walton
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Volkmer A, Cartwright J, Ruggero L, Loizidou M, Hardy CJD, Hersh D. Muddles and puzzles: Metaphor use associated with disease progression in Primary Progressive Aphasia. APHASIOLOGY 2023; 38:1100-1117. [PMID: 38708057 PMCID: PMC11068082 DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2023.2257356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Primary Progressive Aphasia describes a language-led dementia and its variants. There is little research exploring the experiences of living with this disease. Metaphor, words that represent something else, have been studied extensively in health-related narratives to gain a more intimate insight into health experiences. Aims This study explored the metaphors used spontaneously by people with PPA, their care partners (family), and speech and language therapists/pathologists (SLT/Ps) providing support along the continuum of care. Methods & Procedures This study examined two previously collected data sets comprising naturalistic talk where metaphors were not the specific focus, the first from focus groups conducted with people with PPA and their families and the second from focus groups conducted with SLT/Ps working with people with PPA. Transcribed data were analysed for metaphor use through an iterative narrative approach. Outcomes & Results In all, 237 examples of metaphorical language were identified in the data, with 14 metaphors from people with PPA, 116 from the families and 106 from SLT/Ps. Different metaphors were used by participants to describe their experiences depending on which variant of PPA they were living with, and people also described their disease differently over time. SLT/Ps also used metaphors, however, their language reflected the structured, professional perspective of delivering speech and language therapy services. Conclusions & Implications SLT/Ps should listen for and recognise the metaphorical language used by people with PPA and their families to ensure therapeutic alignment, see beyond the PPA to recognise the individual's needs, and provide person-centred and empathic support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volkmer
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, UK
| | - Jade Cartwright
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Leanne Ruggero
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Loizidou
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, UK
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Curtin School of Allied Health, and Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Chris JD Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Deborah Hersh
- Curtin School of Allied Health, and Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gallée J, Volkmer A. Role of the Speech-Language Therapist/Pathologist in Primary Progressive Aphasia. Neurol Clin Pract 2023; 13:e200178. [PMID: 37529299 PMCID: PMC10389170 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the role of the speech-language therapist/pathologist (SLT/P) has become increasingly established in the assessment, care, and management of primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Throughout the progression of the condition, the role of SLT/P encompasses 5 notable domains: behavioral assessment, impairment-based intervention, compensatory strategy intervention, communication partner training, and informational counseling. The SLT/P brings a unique perspective and clinical arsenal to address the linguistic, functional, and psychosocial effects that PPA can have on a person's life. Ongoing training opportunities are warranted to deliver evidence-based and person-centered SLT/P services to people living with PPA. Therefore, in this commentary, our aim is to clarify the role of SLT/P to advocate for our patients and their options for care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Gallée
- Department of Psychology (JG), Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (JG), MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MA; and Division of Psychology and Language Sciences (AV), University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Department of Psychology (JG), Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (JG), MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MA; and Division of Psychology and Language Sciences (AV), University College London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Volkmer A, Walton H, Swinburn K, Spector A, Warren JD, Beeke S. Results from a randomised controlled pilot study of the Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA) communication partner training program for people with PPA and their communication partners. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 37221614 PMCID: PMC10203671 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a growing focus on functional communication interventions for primary progressive aphasia (PPA). These interventions aim to support individuals to participate in life situations. One such intervention, communication partner training (CPT) aims to change conversation behaviours in both the person with PPA and their communication partner (CP). CPT has a growing evidence base in stroke aphasia; however, these programmes are not designed to meet the needs of people with progressive communication difficulties. To address this, the authors developed a CPT program entitled Better Conversations with PPA (BCPPA) and undertook a pilot trial to establish for a future full trial; predicted recruitment rates, acceptability, an assessment of treatment fidelity and an appropriate primary outcome measure. METHODOLOGY This was a single-blind, randomised controlled pilot study comparing BCPPA to no treatment, delivered across 11 National Health Service Trusts in the UK. A random sample of eight recordings of local collaborators delivering the intervention were analysed to examine fidelity. Participants completed feedback forms reporting on acceptability. Pre- and post-intervention measures targeted conversation behaviours, communication goals and quality of life. RESULTS Eighteen people with PPA and their CPs (9 randomised to BCPPA, 9 randomised to no treatment) completed the study. Participants in the intervention group rated BCPPA positively. Treatment fidelity was 87.2%. Twenty-nine of 30 intervention goals were achieved or over-achieved and 16 of 30 coded conversation behaviours demonstrated change in the intended direction. The Aphasia Impact Questionnaire was identified as the preferred outcome measure. CONCLUSION The first randomised controlled UK pilot study of a CPT program for people with PPA and their families demonstrates BCPPA is a promising intervention. The intervention was acceptable, treatment fidelity high and an appropriate measure identified. Results of this study indicate a future RCT of BCPPA is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered 28/02/2018 ISRCTN10148247 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Volkmer
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - H Walton
- Department of Applied Health Research, UCL, London, UK
| | - K Swinburn
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Spector
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - J D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - S Beeke
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|