Enhancing Language Function in Alzheimer’s Dementia

Family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) as well as hospital and nursing homes staff often comment difficulty of these individuals’ to communicate verbally. However, there is currently little understanding of the various patterns of language deficits in AD. Detection of such patterns requires carefully designed tests that are more sensitive to the deficit than currently available neuropsychological tests. The need for better understanding of language deficits in AD is emphasized by the findings from behavioral and stimulation interventions that show that these patients’ ability to use language can be enhanced.