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Type of Presentation
Paper
Start Date
4-6-2022 10:00 AM
End Date
4-6-2022 11:00 AM
Abstract
This paper aims to explore the complex, dynamic relationship between bilingualism and individuals diagnosed with dementia by delving into and discussing implications regarding A) the potential of bilingualism to delay the onset or presentation of symptoms of dementia and B) whether or not both languages are impaired in a parallel manner. Furthermore, this paper provides insight into appropriate assessment options and offers various treatment deliberations for bilingual individuals diagnosed with dementia, and poses inquiries into future research in this field. A wide-ranging analysis of past research demonstrates mixed results in proving bilinguals have a cognitive advantage in comparison to monolinguals, requiring the demand for further investigation. Additionally, researchers have not been able to definitively validate the parallel impairment theory, but their findings corroborate the view that both L1 and L2 are affected in a bilingual individual with dementia, though the degree of each is undetermined due to the highly unique nature of the individual and diagnosis. A comprehensive review of the literature and past studies demonstrates an overwhelming need for more robust research to test and develop dynamic, appropriate, holistic measures to assess and treat bilingual individuals who have dementia. As further research develops, SLPs and other clinicians will be responsible for following the evidence and subsequently integrating these findings into their plan of care.
Presenter:
Cristina McCormack
Graduate Student, Communication Disorders - College of Health and Human Services
Presentation File
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Exploring the Impact of Bilingualism on Dementia: A Comprehensive Review
This paper aims to explore the complex, dynamic relationship between bilingualism and individuals diagnosed with dementia by delving into and discussing implications regarding A) the potential of bilingualism to delay the onset or presentation of symptoms of dementia and B) whether or not both languages are impaired in a parallel manner. Furthermore, this paper provides insight into appropriate assessment options and offers various treatment deliberations for bilingual individuals diagnosed with dementia, and poses inquiries into future research in this field. A wide-ranging analysis of past research demonstrates mixed results in proving bilinguals have a cognitive advantage in comparison to monolinguals, requiring the demand for further investigation. Additionally, researchers have not been able to definitively validate the parallel impairment theory, but their findings corroborate the view that both L1 and L2 are affected in a bilingual individual with dementia, though the degree of each is undetermined due to the highly unique nature of the individual and diagnosis. A comprehensive review of the literature and past studies demonstrates an overwhelming need for more robust research to test and develop dynamic, appropriate, holistic measures to assess and treat bilingual individuals who have dementia. As further research develops, SLPs and other clinicians will be responsible for following the evidence and subsequently integrating these findings into their plan of care.
Presenter:
Cristina McCormack
Graduate Student, Communication Disorders - College of Health and Human Services