The Assessment of Language and Communication in Dementia: A Synthesis of Evidence.

OBJECTIVE: Without the current option of a dementia cure, there is an existing need to focus on rehabilitation intervention. This includes interventions that address language and communication impairment (LCI), found to be present early in most types of dementia. Assessment of LCI can occur in many contexts (e.g., speech pathology, neuropsychology, occupational therapy) and is a vital initial step in providing adequate support to people living with dementia and their families. However, no previous research has compared the psychometric properties and utility of currently available and suitable tools for this purpose. METHODS: Eighteen tools with the potential to assess language and communication in dementia were identified through a two-stage process, and a synthesis of evidence is provided. RESULTS: Three tools satisfied all selection criteria: the Arizona Battery for Communication Disorders of Dementia, the Sydney Language Battery, and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III. Main limitations of the 18 tools reviewed concern a lack of standardization, normative data, and criterion validity, as well as poor evidence of reliability of tools originally developed for non-neurodegenerative LCI (e.g., aphasia in the context of cerebrovascular accidents). Furthermore, no tool considers the perspectives of people with dementia regarding the impact of LCI on their daily lives. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to improve reliability and validity of currently available tools for the linguistic assessment of people living with dementia. Importantly, a tool to assess early identification of language and communication difficulties and associated needs among people with dementia is warranted to facilitate timely management and support.

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) and realist evaluation of the interdisciplinary home-bAsed Reablement program (I-HARP) for improving functional independence of community dwelling older people with dementia: an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design.

BACKGROUND: A major gap exists internationally in providing support to maintain functional and social independence of older people with dementia living at home. This project evaluates a model of care that integrates evidence-based strategies into a person-centred interdisciplinary rehabilitation package: Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-HARP). Two central aims are: 1) to determine the effectiveness of I-HARP on functional independence, mobility, quality of life and depression among people with dementia, their home environmental safety, carer burden and quality of life, and I-HARP cost-effectiveness; and 2) to evaluate the processes, outcomes and influencing factors of the I-HARP implementation. METHODS: I-HARP is a 4-month model of care, integrated in community aged care services and hospital-based community geriatric services, and consists of: 1) 8-12 home visits, tailored to the individual client's needs, by an occupational therapist, registered nurse, and other allied health staff; 2) minor home modifications/assistive devices to the value of 60 years with mild to moderate dementia and his/her carer). During Phase I, I-HARP advisory group is established and training of I-HARP interventionists is completed, and the effectiveness of I-HARP is examined using a pragmatic RCT. Phase II, conducted concurrently with Phase I, focuses on the process evaluation of the I-HARP implementation using a realist approach. Semi-structured interviews with participants and focus groups with I-HARP interventionists and participating site managers will provide insights into the contexts, mechanisms and outcomes of I-HARP. DISCUSSION: I-HARP is being evaluated within the real-world systems of hospital-based and community-based aged care services in Australia. Future directions and strategies for reablement approaches to care for community dwelling people living with dementia, will be developed. The study will provide evidence to inform key stakeholders in their decision making and the use/delivery of the program, as well as influence future systems-thinking and changes for dementia care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTR N12618000600246 (approved 18/04/2018).

Adapting the Bilingual Aphasia Test to Rarotongan (Cook Islands Maori): Linguistic and clinical considerations.

This article describes the adaptation of the Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT) to the Rarotongan dialect of Cook Islands Maori, a Polynesian language spoken in the Cook Islands and expatriate communities. A brief linguistic sketch of Rarotongan is presented. As Rarotongan is characterised by a complex pronominal system, 'a' versus 'o' possession and optional topicalisation and focus constructions, particular issues arose in obtaining a rigorous adaptation of the BAT. Methods for ensuring effective adaptation across contrastive language pairs and sociocultural aspects of adapting the BAT to Rarotongan are discussed. Obtaining adaptations from several proficient bilingual consultants, comparing versions and group discussion to resolve discrepancies were used for this adaptation and are recommended. It is asserted that every individual has the right to receive accurate, detailed language assessment in each of their languages, irrespective of the languages spoken in the wider community. Further adaptations of the BAT will assist this to be achieved.