Cognitive communication is the ability to use language and thinking skills to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Cognitive communication can be affected by various conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, dementia, or aging. A speech therapist can help assess and treat cognitive communication difficulties and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.
A cognitive screen is a brief test that can identify if a person has signs of cognitive impairment. A cognitive screen can be done by a speech therapist or another health professional during an initial contact, interview, or follow-up visit. A cognitive screen may include questions or tasks that measure memory, attention, orientation, problem-solving, or language skills. A cognitive screen can help determine if a person needs further evaluation or intervention for cognitive communication.
A cognitive evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that can diagnose the type and severity of cognitive communication impairment. A cognitive evaluation is done by a speech therapist using standardized or non-standardized tests, observations, interviews, and reports from the person or their family. A cognitive evaluation may cover various aspects of cognitive communication, such as verbal reasoning, executive functioning, social communication, or pragmatics. A cognitive evaluation can help establish the strengths and weaknesses of the person’s cognitive communication and provide recommendations for treatment and management.
A cognitive treatment plan is an individualized intervention that can improve or maintain the person’s cognitive communication skills. A cognitive treatment plan is provided by a speech therapist using evidence-based techniques and strategies that are tailored to the person’s goals and needs. A cognitive treatment plan may involve direct therapy, such as exercises or activities that target specific cognitive skills; or indirect therapy, such as education or training on compensatory strategies or environmental modifications. A cognitive treatment plan can help enhance the person’s functional communication and participation in daily activities.
A speech therapist can play an important role in helping adults and geriatric populations with cognitive communication challenges. By conducting a cognitive screen, evaluation, and treatment, a speech therapist can help identify, diagnose, and treat cognitive communication impairments and support the person’s communication and well-being.
Are you or someone you love looking for help with memory, thinking, or word-finding? Call Speech Care at Home at (813) 344-3207 today!