A Roadmap to Enhance Care for People Living With Primary Progressive Aphasia: What Can Be Done Now?

Abstract

Purpose: People living with primary progressive aphasia (PwPPA) face a progressive decline in speech, language, and communication capabilities. PwPPA live with relatively well-preserved cognition, which further contributes to their insight and grief resulting from the losses of language and independence, as well as the misconceptions surrounding the condition. This clinical focus article underscores the clinical necessity of enhancing access to and the quality of care provided to PwPPA while highlighting the unique role of the speech-language pathologist in these services. To help accomplish this, evidence-based practice informed by the current literature is offered to speech-language pathologists working with this target population. Conclusions: Palliative, person-centered services for the assessment and management of PPA are necessary to shape the most optimal care trajectory of PwPPA and their care partners. Speech-language pathologists can take concrete steps to improve the assessment and intervention experiences for their clients living with this condition. These steps should include (a) clearly defining the speech-language pathologist's role, (b) providing person-centered processes of assessment, management, and care, (c) defining the provider team, (d) advocating for the client across health care professions, (e) and knowing when to refer out to additional services.