Participants will learn and review the diagnostic criteria for Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) including ... show more

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Key Concepts for the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Description Participants will learn and review the diagnostic criteria for Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) including which professionals can make a diagnosis of PPA. Participants will learn the 3 primary variants of PPA. Participants will review and discuss treatment methods for the SLP to consider trialing with clients who have PPA, communication strategies for interprofessional care (e.g., PT, OT), as well as local (Baltimore-D.C. metropolitan area) and national resources for folks who have PPA and their loved ones/communication partners. Suggested Audience: SLPs, as well as PTs and OTs who serve adults who have Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Difficulty Level: Advanced -Includes in-depth theory, concepts, and applications of information and/or techniques that are presented beyond the Essential Level which includes core theory, concepts, and applications. Speaker Theresa Alexander, M.S. CCC-SLP is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Loyola University Maryland where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees (‘03, ‘05). She is a full-time clinical supervisor for the adult neurology rotation at the Loyola Clinical Centers at Belvedere Square where part of her role is to facilitate a monthly Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Resource & Discussion Group. She is a Clinical Specialist in Aphasia and served patients on the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation (CIR) unit at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital for nearly a decade. She continues to serve inpatients at the four MedStar north hospitals as a float pool PRN SLP. Her areas of specialization include serving adults who have neurogenic swallowing and communication disorders including dysphagia, aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, cognitive-communication disorders, and dysphonia related to tracheostomy/ventilator use, in acute medical and rehabilitation settings. She has taught graduate courses in Aphasiology and Neurology for the Speech-Language Pathologist. Her hobbies include running, swimming, and being a proud neuroplasticity nerd. Questions Janice Coles, MS, CCC-SLP P: 202-877-1806 janice.e.coles@medstar.net show less