SLP’s services and the quality of life of carers of individuals with dementia

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive disorder that affects cognitive and communicative abilities, significantly impacting patient autonomy and caregiver wellbeing. While pharmacological treatments offer limited benefits, non-pharmacological approaches, including Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), play a crucial role in improving communication and swallowing functions. Despite evidence supporting their effectiveness, SLP interventions remain underutilised in dementia care. This study adopts a qualitative research design to capture lived experiences and perspectives. Thematic analysis is used to analyse interview data, identifying patterns related to SLP accessibility, effectiveness, caregiver training, and emotional wellbeing. The study aims to highlight the benefits of SLP interventions in enhancing patient-caregiver communication, reducing frustration, and improving caregiving confidence. Findings will contribute to discussions on improving healthcare policies and service implementation for dementia care. By addressing gaps in dementia management, this research advocates for broader recognition and integration of SLP services into multidisciplinary dementia care models.