September is World Alzheimer's Month- the international campaign from Alzheimer's Disease International. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases affecting more than 6 million American's and over 55 million people worldwide. There are various genetic and environmental causes of Alzheimer's. While family history is not necessary for an individual to develop Alzheimer’s, research shows that those who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s.
While we don't know the final diagnosis, my family has been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. I grew up visiting my great grandma in her small apartment. At that time, I was too young to notice the changes in her memory. Behind the scenes, my grandmother was busy trying to keep her safe. Helping her with meals, doing laundry, spending countless hours with her, and, eventually, moving her to a safer living environment.
By this point I was more aware of the changes happening. I remember being buzzed into and out of the locked unit each time we visited. I remember my great grandma's stories getting more and more creative.
"So and so down the hall stole my cat."
"There's a kitchen in the closet."
"I cooked a turkey on the windowsill."
I can't tell you when, but one day the stories stopped. Alzheimer's had taken away her voice.
At that time, being a speech-language pathologist was not on my radar. Looking back, I can see how that experience has only helped me to build compassion for those I work with. I know that the person I may be working with today is not the person their family has always known them as. That there is an entire life before this moment. Careers. Experiences. Hobbies. Loved ones forgotten.
As a speech-language pathologist, I help give people a voice and improve communication between my clients and their family. I will always learn about the person I am working with- their interests, hobbies, pets, grandchildren- everything important to them. I will always treat each client how I want my family to be treated, knowing that one day, I might be sitting on the other side of the treatment table.
About the Author:
Sophia Apgar, M.A. CCC-SLP
Sophia is provides patient-centered care and evidence-based practice to individuals with swallowing, speech and language, and cognitive-communication disorders. With a bachelors in Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders from Ohio University, she went on to earn her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Montclair State University.
She is licensed in the state of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and received her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Sophia has worked in acute care, acute rehab, skilled nursing, and middle/high school. She formed Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy LLC after seeing a need for continued care as patients returned home. Sophia believes rehabilitation of speech and swallow function does not stop when you are discharged from the hospital or rehab and that the home and community settings are functional and practical places to continue your rehabilitation.
To learn more or schedule an appointment today, visit: www.insightspeechandswallowing.com
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