http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/october2013/award.asp
The Alzheimer’s Association recently named its 2013 International Research Grant Program funded researchers. On that list was Emily Rogalski, an assistant research professor with Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
The researcher will receive $200,000 over the course of three years for her area of study, Internet-based Speech Therapy: Improving Quality of Life and Access to Care
Here she speaks to the Alzheimer’s Association about her plans for the future of her research.
The Alzheimer’s Association recently named its 2013 International Research Grant Program funded researchers. On that list was Emily Rogalski, an assistant research professor with Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
The researcher will receive $200,000 over the course of three years for her area of study, Internet-based Speech Therapy: Improving Quality of Life and Access to Care
Here she speaks to the Alzheimer’s Association about her plans for the future of her research.
Q—Could you please explain the nature of your research?
A—I am a cognitive neuroscientist whose research falls under the broad umbrella of aging and dementia and uses a multimodal approach to investigate two aging perspectives: primary progressive aphasia (PPA), in which brain disease invades the language network, and SuperAging, in which individuals are seemingly resistant to the deleterious changes in memory associated with “normal” or more typical cognitive aging. While structural neuroimaging is my primary method of investigation I also explore the role of genetic, developmental and acquired factors in aging and dementia, which demonstrates my interest in integrating multidisciplinary data. Another important aspect of my work is in assisting with the development of educational programs, support groups, and therapies to improve quality of life for patients with dementia and their caregivers.
Q—What inspired the idea of Internet-based speech therapy? What do you hope to achieve?
A—Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and Alzheimer’s dementia are two dementia syndromes in which language disturbance (“aphasia”) can be a key feature. Currently there are no effective medications to treat these syndromes, but limited research suggests that speech therapy may allow people with dementia to communicate more effectively throughout the duration of their illness, thereby improving mood, promoting independence and enhancing overall quality-of-life. Unfortunately, access to speech therapy is limited since there are few clinicians who specialize in providing care for patients with dementia. Individuals with dementia wishing to receive speech therapy services from an experienced provider may need to travel far distances to specialized centers, which is not conducive to regular provision of care. One goal of this project is to improve access to care for dementia patients by providing them Internet-based video speech therapy sessions. The results of this study will be used to make recommendations for speech and language therapists that treat dementia syndromes that show language symptoms and to explore the feasibility of video-chat speech therapy, with the hopes of modifying current insurance coverage, which does not currently cover web-based speech therapy. In the absence of a cure for dementia, it is important to offer strategies that help individuals maintain an optimal quality of life for as long as possible and this project takes one step towards achieving this goal.
Q—What drew you to the issues of aging and dementia?
A—I was impressed by and attracted to the multidisciplinary team approach that the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center (CNADC) at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine uses for patient care and research. Because of the CNADC’s unique architecture I am able to collaborate with social workers, neuroscientists, neuropathologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists, and students. Working in this environment opens the door to creative collaborations and provides the opportunity for novel research ideas to flourish. I feel fortunate that I am able to work with such a skilled team of specialists and up-and-coming scientists.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php