Multiple aspects of language in dementia: a comparison between domestic and institutional context

Analyzing the expression and interpretation/verbal comprehension and its underlying mechanisms (hearing, body balance, voice and orofacial motricity) of two elderly women with clinical picture of dementia - one living in the family environment and another on a home for the aged. Are presented the cases of two elderly: an 85-year-old woman, with diagnosis of Alzheimer's Dementia, which resides with her husband and one of their daughters, and a 90-year-old woman diagnosed with Vascular Dementia residing in a home for the aged. Considering the language on its multiple aspects (hearing, body balance, voice and orofacial motricity) was held a complete speech evaluation, on which were observed linguistic manifestations that depict less verbal production on the part of the institutionalized elderly. The results obtained by the hearing assessments (accuracy and processing), body balance, voice and orofacial motricity revealed expected features in healthy ageing process. The organic-physiological conditions of the elderly were compatible with the natural process of ageing, while the linguistic-cognitive ones presented themselves more committed. The functioning of the language presented similar features - expected on the ageing in dementia process - in both elderly, but, the institutionalized one presented linguistic-cognitive manifestations more committed. This study demonstrates the convenience of the action of the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences in the ageing, especially with dementia, not only in a family context but also in an institutional one.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Language; Hearing; Aging; Dementia