Does Converge Speech Therapy diagnose dementia or cognitive impairment?

No, only a physician, neurologist or neuropsychologist provides a diagnosis following clinical testing. A clinical diagnosis of memory loss, MCI, dementia, etc. is required if the individual is covered by Medicare (see below). Craig is a certified administrator of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) which helps to determine current cognitive status and areas for which we can trial therapy tasks and provide coaching for strategies in some individuals.

 

Can speech therapy improve dementia?

Dementia is a progressive condition. In some individuals with mild memory loss or early dementia, providing education, teaching compensatory strategies and designing a program of functional activities can help with mental flexibility, stimulation and recreation.

 

What are compensatory strategies?

Some things we all use – but don’t realize it! Compensatory strategies are helpful cues like writing ourself a note to remember an appointment, setting a timer, using a pre-sorted medication box, etc. But we can also use similar strategies to help with communication and completing daily tasks for those with dementia.

 

What can you do for caregivers?

Seeing changes in memory and/or cognition in a loved one or partner, is difficult. Converge Speech TherapyTM provides extensive education about changes in memory and cognition (often related to dementia), helps you to identify and problem solve through behavioral challenges and discuss the importance of caregiver self-care and respite.

​

Do you take insurance or MediCare?

For individuals age 65 and older, Converge Speech TherapyTM is an authorized Medicare provider. However, Converge Speech TherapyTM is NOT on private insurance panels at this time. If the individual experiencing memory loss is age 64 or younger, all coaching and consultation services are private pay - contact us for fee schedule.