A pilot study of AID‐COMp: An innovative speech–language intervention for patients with early‐stage major neurocognitive disorder

Abstract

Background Major neurocognitive disorder (MND) alters cognition, memory and language, and consequently affects communication. Speech–language therapy (SLT) may alleviate communication difficulties. Aims This pilot study explored the effects of intensive SLT emphasizing memory, language, and discourse impairment and complementary communication strategies, called Aid for Communication—For Persons Who Live with MND (AID‐COMp). Methods & Procedures We employed a mixed design using quantitative and qualitative methods with four dyads, including a person living with MND (PwMND) and a family carer. The design included a control period, and we tested participants before (T1) and after 2 months without therapy (T2). AID‐COMp was then provided intensively three times per week for 10 sessions and participants were tested again (T3). Participants were also involved in an individual qualitative interview after therapy ended, probing their experience and possible effects on their lives. AID‐COMp included: (1) spaced retrieval to teach the use of a memory book; (2) semantic and phonological therapy for lexical access; (3) discourse treatment based on the analysis of the macrostructure and microstructure of stories in pictures and texts; and (4) PACE therapy for generalization. Carers were not included in treatment, did not attend sessions and were only involved in the evaluations. Measures included language, communication, cognitive and well‐being tests. Paired t‐tests (one‐tailed) compared scores for the control period, that is, T1 versus T2. We compared scores after therapy (T3) with those at T2. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively. Outcomes & Results For the control period, only text comprehension scores significantly decreased in PwMND. After therapy, improvements occurred on the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) and the well‐being measure for the PwMND. Carer scores were unchanged after therapy except for their perception of the PwMND's communication which improved. Qualitative findings comprised three themes: (1) understanding therapy; (2) recovering abilities and relationships; and (3) naming further needs. Conclusions & Implications We hypothesize that AID‐COMp addressed the underlying impairments associated with MND and provided various tools to PwMND for composing effectively with them. Indeed, AID‐COMp appears to provoke some degree of improvement of language skills, cognition and emotional well‐being. These improvements may lead to more confidence in conversation and the recovery of relationships between the PwMND and their entourage. It is also possible that improvements acted positively on one another. These preliminary findings warrant further controlled studies with more participants, including a qualitative exploration of participant experiences. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subjectMND affects cognition and communication, which are crucial to a good relationship between a carer and a person with MND. Interventions involving only...