Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions of Effective Therapy Techniques For Patients Who Have Primary Progressive Aphasia

The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding the available effective therapy techniques for patients who have primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The researcher reviewed the literature on PPA in order to develop a list of therapy techniques that SLPs may use with patients with PPA. The researcher gathered data by means of an electronic survey. The survey included Likert-type questions and open-ended questions regarding therapy techniques for PPA in terms of perceived effectiveness, likelihood to recommend a therapy technique, and which therapy technique they would use with a specific variant of PPA. Questions regarding diagnostic tests, comfort level, counseling, and awareness were also detailed in this survey. Descriptive and frequency analyses were run on each item on the survey. On a 1-7 Likert scale (1 being the lowest option and 7 being the highest option) effectiveness and recommendations of the therapy techniques the highest option was never selected. Detailed answers given by participants are in appendices E-N. Findings from this study indicate a need to know how and when to stage for PPA. Furthermore, awareness, education, and literature on PPA must extend beyond the scope of a few professionals working with this population in order for other SLPs to be comfortable working with these clients